Safety fencing installed around fire-damaged buildings
Progress on safely securing Bong Bong Street continues as stakeholders of Bowral’s main thoroughfare continue to work together to resume normal trade.
Council’s Interim Deputy General Manager Marissa Racomelara said ongoing discussions with key parties had progressed the re-establishment of the town centre following the 1 July fire.
“Cooperation between property and business owners, insurers, NSW Police and Transport for NSW to name just a few, have been critical to the progress made to date,” she said.
Contractors have begun erecting safety fencing and hoarding in preparation of the de-construction of the upper floor of the fire-damaged buildings.
Bong Bong Street has also been partially re-opened to Wingecarribee Street. The road is however still closed north between Wingecarribee and Merrigang Streets.
Ms Racomelara said while Transport for NSW had partially re-opened the road, motorists should proceed with caution.
“Drivers who proceed to the intersection of Wingecarribee Street will have to perform a U-turn to exit,” she said. “Although access is still limited we encourage residents to support those businesses impacted by the fire.”
Other services re-established include the relocation of the taxi rank to Wingecarribee Street. The relocated taxi rank can now be found between the Bank of Queensland (BOQ) and Helloworld Travel.
A temporary ANZ Bank ATM kiosk has also been installed in Oxley Mall near the Coles loading dock. The kiosk provides both withdrawal and deposit functions.
“All parties want to see the fire-impacted area cleaned and restored as soon as possible,” Ms Racomelara stressed.
“The reality is that there are multiple parties involved and numerous challenges to manage when an incident of this size occurs.
“Different stakeholders have different responsibilities but collectively safety remains the number one priority for everyone involved.”
Ms Racomelara said de-construction of the building would commence once all safety hoarding had been erected.
“All approvals will be ready to go to ensure specialist contractors can safely deconstruct the damaged buildings once the final hoarding is installed,” she said. “We anticipate the physical de-construction process will be a relatively quick process.”
“In the interim we thank all affected businesses for their cooperation and customers for their continued patience.
“Together we’re confident that Bowral’s CBD will be re-opened, and businesses can be back on their feet as soon as possible.”
Fire-impacted businesses are encouraged to visit www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/business/bowral-fire for a list of business support contacts or phone Council’s Business Concierge Officer on 4868 0888.