Police have set up a temporary office at the Warrnambool City Council offices following the major Telstra outage affecting thousands of south-west residents.
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Mayor Michael Neoh said police had set up a temporary station at the council offices because phones at the force's Koroit Street station were out of action.
The council use Optus services, which may now also be affected.
Cr Neoh said he wanted to remind residents if there was an emergency they could access triple-0 and 112 on mobile phones.
"If there is an emergency call triple-0 or 112 or even go to your neighbours to call or get help," he said.
"Also check on your neighbours.
"Our main concern is the immediate emergency.
"Beyond that its the impact this will have on the local economy.
"The impact is basically our businesses being paralysed.
"Communication is obviously important and this may raise the need for contingency plans.
"I do feel for the businesses that are using EFTPOS."