Chanter St business owners have expressed concern about a proposed $1.1 million project for underground power in Berrigan’s central business district.
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On Berrigan Shire Council’s agenda since 2022, the project was launched to address “urgent need for maintenance of buildings in the heritage conservation zone”.
Now moving closer to the project tender period, Chanter St business owners have highlighted that the project will not only come at a significant cost to council.
Building owners will also be slogged with massive fees, which council has confirmed could be as much as $13,500 per property.
Ben Cintolo has operated a Chanter St business for more than a decade, renting his shop space.
He said any additional cost on the building’s owner is likely to affect his rent, which he can ill-afford given the other cost pressures.
He said any further increase in costs may force him to reconsider his CBD location.
“It’s around $13,000 per property, and we will have to pay partially for installation,” he said.
“Personally, the main thing that will affect me is rent. The cost of it to the landlord.
“He’ll probably put the rent up - he’s got the right and I’d totally understand if he did.
“We will also permanently lose four car parks (due to associated works) and suffer business disruption.
“I’m not sure it’s worth it to, supposedly, beautify the town.
“I’ve been here 12 years, and if the rent goes up, I’m out of here.”
Fellow Chanter St business owner Sergio Redegalli said he shares concerns about the cost of the project for critical Berrigan businesses.
“Underground power is a good idea, but not if it destroys businesses and the town,” he said.
“I’m concerned about the management of the project, funding and the cost to businesses.
“They’ve got to cough up at least $13,000 to get exactly the same thing (power) they’ve already got.
“Not all businesses can afford it.
“They (council) should have got funding for everyone, and it shouldn’t have to leave businesses financially handicapped.”
Berrigan Shire acting CEO Andrew Fletcher said council will be providing support to building owners during the transition process, which includes financial support.
“The total budget is $1.1 million. Of this, $250,000 is from Essential Energy, $590,000 from the New South Wales Government’s Stronger Country Communities program and council will contribute $100,000 from its works budget for the civil works.
“While this budget will cover works to complete moving the power from overhead to underground, it does not include the connection cost from the power box to the owner’s property.
“Our current estimation for cost to reconnect is $13,500 per property (or $160,000 total from landowners).
“Council has a plan to mitigate this cost, including joint procurement and payment over time.
“Currently, the budget is an estimate. Once council has gone through a tender, it will know how much (if any) of the grant funds are available to offset the cost to landholders.”
Mr Fletcher said the community has been asking council to pursue the project for a number of years.
He said it would remove the overhead poles and wires from the commercial section of Chanter St - from IGA to Jerilderie St - including the removal of existing poles and overhead lines.
“This will be replaced by approximately 275m of underground cable along the north side of Chanter St, including five crossings to the north side to connect to power boxes (pillars),” Mr Fletcher said.
“We will also install conduit from the new power boxes to the property boundaries for property owners to minimise impact on the footpath surface.”
The project will allow property owners on Chanter St to maintain their street facade without having to de-energise the entire main street. Currently to paint or do works on the facades they must turn the power off.
It will also make the main street a more attractive place for business owners, residents and visitors and engender community pride-of-place, and enhance the streetscape in line with being a heritage conservation area.
“This project is an advantage to landholders,” Mr Fletcher said.
“There will be less need for power disconnection in the future, the main street will be more attractive, and they will be able to maintain their building facades safely.
“Council is aware there is also a broad community benefit - hence its intention to assist landholders and traders with the cost of reconnection.”
Council is anticipating construction to start in February next year.
The works will be timed to minimise disruption during the town’s busiest periods, like the annual Berrigan Cup and the Christmas markets.
Council anticipated the project will take three or four months to complete once construction begins.