April 15, 2015
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence and Federal Member for Gippsland, the Hon Darren Chester MP, today confirmed that the communication tower (known as the Omega Tower) on the former Naval Transmission Site at Darriman, Victoria, is expected to be demolished soon.
“Defence has engaged an experienced contractor, Liberty Industrial Pty Ltd to manage the demolition and the project is proceeding as planned,” Mr Chester said at the Darriman site today.
“I can’t say for sure exactly when the demolition will take place as it’s subject to conditions like the weather. But I can say that we expect it to be in the next four weeks.”
Mr Chester said that locals might notice more activity than usual at the site over the next few weeks as the contractors prepare for the demolition.
“Our biggest concern is that this is done safely,” Mr Chester said.
“Defence and the contractor are working together with neighbouring landholders and the local council to eliminate the risk of damage to property and livestock.
“We want the demolition to run smoothly with minimum disruption to people in the local community.”
Mr Chester said that safety cordons will be in place to prevent members of the public inadvertently straying into the danger area. However, he recommends that members of the public avoid the area during the demolition.
Once the tower has been demolished Defence will dispose of the 353 hectare site.
CAPTION: RAAF East Sale Base Support Manager Greg MacKenzie, Liberty International Project Manager Todd Solomon, and Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester discuss plans to demolish the redundant Omega Tower in Darriman. The tower will be demolished between April 20 and April 28.
