Sarah Henderson (Corangamite, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to raise concerns about plans by Powercor to disconnect power to the Birregurra township on Friday, 9 June, immediately prior to the long weekend. The notice of power supply outage was delivered to the owner of the Birregurra General Store, Cameron Williams, and other traders and residents, with no consultation. I am told that only the local school was consulted.

The tourism trade in Birregurra is vital. Birregurra lies at the foothills of the Otways, near the Great Ocean Road, and is of course home to Brae restaurant, one of the world's best restaurants. Tourism is a vital part of the local economy.

Why is Powercor not capable of implementing its power outage at a time which would cause minimum disruption and harm to traders? At one of the busiest times of the year, this will turn Birregurra into a ghost town. Does Powercor understand what this will do to food ordered for the long weekend that has to be refrigerated? Mr Williams estimates the cost to his business will be something like $2½ thousand. He says: 'As a person who has put my house on the line to be a small business owner, it is a real kick in the guts.' He will be required to send his eight staff home. What is incredible about this decision is that Powercor made this decision in Forrest last year on Easter Thursday, so they have learnt no lessons. I call on Powercor to have some common sense, have a heart and reverse this decision.