“I am becoming frustrated with major players such as Telstra, who are showing utter disrespect to the enhancement work the council has undertaken in the Goulburn CBD,” Cr Kirk said. 

“We understand these companies need to undertake maintenance and upgrade work in the city, but in many cases they are ripping up our pavers to undertake the works without consulting the council and then replacing them with completely substandard restoration works.

“In some cases the pavers have simply been removed and replaced with hot mix asphalt in high traffic areas – this lack of effort and respect is disgraceful.”

He said examples of this could be seen out the front of Employment Plus and Blooms Chemist opposite Goulburn Square.

“We will now have to spend considerable time and resources to repair this appalling work; this is ratepayer money,” he said.

“We are prepared to take these companies on in regard to this issue, as we believe they must be held accountable for their lack of effort.

“The contempt shown by these companies goes further, as letters sent out by general manager Warwick Bennett regarding this issue have gone unanswered.

“Over the last three years we have spent millions of dollars upgrading our main street, with the works generating considerable pride in the space, and positive reaction from community and business alike.” 

“The council would like community members to contact us immediately on 4823 4444 if they see any telecommunications company undertaking work in the CBD, so that we can send an employee down to have the work stopped until such time as these disrespectful telecommunications companies have complete restoration works planned.”