Telstra will review the site of the old Dubbo Post Office to see if steps need to be taken to ensure the building “is maintained at a suitable standard”.
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The company’s area general manager Mike Marom confirmed Telstra’s position on the building in a letter on Monday to Dubbo Regional Council Mayor Ben Shields and the Daily Liberal.
Mr Shields had written to Telstra saying “the building is starting to literally crumble and wear, has a major pigeon infestation and looks tattered”.
Describing the building as a significant feature of the CBD, Mr Shields asked Telstra, as the current owners, to review the maintenance program for the building.
Mr Marom said: “We are the proud owner of several historic buildings around Australia and we take our responsibilities to maintain these buildings, including the site of the former Dubbo Post Office, very seriously.
“When concerns over the building were raised with us last year we arranged for additional cleaning to occur and installed some bird proofing.
“Based on this latest feedback, we will review the site to see if any further steps need to be taken to ensure the building is maintained at a suitable standard.
“The main building is currently vacant, while Telstra utilises the building at the back to house telecommunications equipment.
“Clearly, the best outcome for the community and Telstra is to have the main building occupied and being actively used.
“We have been exploring opportunities to lease or sell the site for several years.
Cr Shields said on Wednesday he welcomed Telstra’s response and said it was certainly heading in the right direction.
However, it concerned him that they might not understand the extent of problems and it remained to be seen the level of seriousness Telstra is taking with the issue.
“It’s one thing to say they will maintain the place, but its another to understand what this icon means to the Dubbo community. A simple pressure wash over the pigeon mess, well, it just won’t cut it,” he said.
Asked if the DRC had thought of purchasing the building for a recreational use, he said it was not on DRC’s agenda only because it wouldn’t have a strategic use for it. He said he will have to wait and see after the attempt to clean-up to give his final opinion.
