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Envestra refuses to take responsibility on road damageThe Independent Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, says East Gippsland Shire Council will shortly begin work to repair and re-open Forge Creek Road, near Bairnsdale, which was damaged due to heavy rain. By Craig Ingram - 2nd August 2007 - Back to News "The road has been closed for several weeks due to massive erosion caused by heavy rainfall," Mr Ingram said.
"Whilst this is a council road, the damage has occurred along the trench where the natural gas pipeline runs to Paynesville.
"After constituent representation to my office, discussions with the East Gippsland Shire Council and personally inspecting the site, it appears obvious that Origin Energy / Envestra / APA AM have a case to answer as being responsible for the repair of the road and erosion damage.
"Council has been negotiating with the private gas company Envestra to have the road and easement repaired.
"This road is an important access and distribution corridor for Bairnsdale and Paynesville districts and the delay in repairing the road is causing considerable difficulty and angst in our community.
"I have also previously written to Envestra calling on the company to repair the road without any further delay, but they are refusing to accept responsibility.
"Together with the shire council, I am aware of the frustration and inconvenience that this road closure is causing members of the community, and we have been working towards a resolution.
"Council has indicated that it will proceed with repairs to the road while the liability issues are being negotiated.
"Envestra is being subsidised by the State Government to provide reticulated gas to Bairnsdale and Paynesville and this reluctance to assist the shire with repairs demonstrates to me that Envestra are not being good corporate citizens.
"I have also written to Premier John Brumby requesting intervention from the State Government in pursuing repair costs from Envestra," Mr Ingram concluded.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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