WILLIAM Street in Port Macquarie has been left a mess following necessary works by the National Broadband Network (NBN).
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The contractors have cut out sections of the pebble stone path outside several businesses without warning, according to Percival Property owner Michael Percival.
There was dust and mess left for days in a hazardous state from mid September until September 30, he said.
Another incident on October 11, where a driveway entrance appeared to be incorrectly compacted to allow for traffic, raised his ire.
“We are all in favour of the NBN, it’s just the way they’ve gone about it. It’s hazardous, there has been no communication apart from an apology from NBN, but they are obviously employing contractors who don’t care,” he said.
“They might keep it cleaner now, which is what we really wanted, but it’s been a terrible situation.
“I was on my hands and knees for an hour cleaning our floor inside the office one morning. They haven’t consulted with us or the other businesses here and we don’t know when the works will be complete.”
A Port Macquarie-Hastings Council statement said the Federal Government's NBN network infrastructure is currently being installed in 10 locations throughout the Port Macquarie CBD.
“Council are aware of considerable inconvenience being caused, and are working with the NBN to ensure that they inform impacted businesses in advance of works commencing,” it said.
“Under council's conditions, NBN contractors are required to ensure work sites are clean at all times.
“Whilst temporary bitumen will be in place for several days, all footpaths will be restored to their original state by the replacement of the entire panels of concrete which are affected.”
A neighbouring business person, who did not wish to be named, said they were not notified the work was being done.
“They’re doing a good job, but at the end of the day it’s about not being told what was happening,” they said.
“The foreman has ensured it’s been cleaned, and anything we have asked for has been attended to.
“These things have to be done, which is fine, but knowing what was going to happen beforehand would have been handy.”
Council said businesses experiencing any issues or concerns should contact the NBN’s Community and Stakeholder State Manager Glenn Craft on 0427 668 337.
The NBN were contacted for comment.
Matt Attard
I was raised in Port Macquarie and consider myself a true Port local. I'm a die-hard rugby league fan and don't mind taking a photo or two. I'd love to hear from you, so please contact me at any time.
I was raised in Port Macquarie and consider myself a true Port local. I'm a die-hard rugby league fan and don't mind taking a photo or two. I'd love to hear from you, so please contact me at any time.
