Testing is being carried out on Warrnambool's former gasworks near the railway station, but just what the future plan for the site is, is still up in the air.
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The disused site has been vandalised in recent years with the heritage-listed house on the site also set alight.
Ausnet Services, which owns the site, said the testing would inform its discussions with the city council on the future use of the site.
Mayor Tony Herbert said there had been discussions with the council about the site but those were in the very early stages and nothing specific had been talked about.
A company spokesperson said it had been conducting environmental assessment works this year at the site - as well as at others in Hamilton and Portland.
"We're carrying out environmental assessment works to better understand the soil and groundwater conditions at the former gasworks sites," the spokesperson said.
"Our priority is always the health and safety of customers, the community and our people.
"Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we're working closely with government and public health bodies to make sure we work safely and in line with expert advice.
"We understand that many people are working from home during this time so we have kept the noise to a minimum where possible."
Initial works commenced in March to April 2020 to locate monitoring wells on the site and then in mid-September bore holes were drilled to collect soil samples and install additional monitoring wells.
"Our focus is currently on the assessment works which will be used to inform discussions with Warrnambool City Council and decisions on the future use for the site," it said.
The historical house on site was built in 1874 and was the former residence of the manager of the Warrnambool gasworks which occupied the site for more than 100 years.
The Warrnambool Gas Company built gasworks on the site in 1874 which supplied street, shop and most domestic lighting until the introduction of electricity in 1923.
The Warrnambool Gas Company wound up voluntarily in 1881-82 and the gasworks were bought by the Warrnambool Borough Council.
The gasworks were privatised in 1952, but by 1972 the town supply was converted to liquid petroleum gas.
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