Could Warrnambool's former gas site be about to have a new use

AusNet Services' site behind the railway station has sat unused for years and been the target of vandals and arson attacks in recent years.

Last year, it conducted environmental assessment works to understand the soil and groundwater conditions at the former gasworks site.

In March last year, monitoring wells were located and in September bore holes were drilled to collect soil samples and install additional monitoring wells.

A year later, the company has plans to conduct further investigation work on site in late September and early October.

"Our focus is currently on the assessment works which will be used to inform discussions with Warrnambool City Council and other interested parties, and to inform decisions on the future use for the site," a spokesperson said.

"We're keeping abreast of DHHS guidelines and have COVID plans in place to minimise risk.

"Nearby landowners will be sent notifications of the works once again. We are mindful that many will be working from home and will do our best to keep the noise to a minimum."

In 2017, the company said it was in talks with the council about how the site, adjacent to Harris Street Reserve, could be used to benefit the community.

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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