The demolition of the 105-year-old Wahgunyah water tower is set to take place this week, through a Melbourne contractor.
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The company won a $128,300 North East Water tender issued last month to destroy the redundant tower in McDonnell Street.
The Border Mail understands a crew will be staying in accommodation in the region, with regional providers able to accept permitted workers from Melbourne.
North East Water managing director Craig Heiner said the company was chosen for its skill set.
"North East Water tendered for the project and a highly specialised demolition company with relevant experience in this type of project was chosen to complete the work," he said.
"The contractor has a COVID-safe plan that covers aspects of the demolition and any Melbourne-based staff used by the contractor must adhere to metropolitan restrictions during the period they are in regional Victoria.
"This work follows a detailed safety assessment which determined the demolition is essential and needs to be completed as soon as possible."
The Wahgunyah Water Tower was constructed in 1915 from a John Monash design and was likely decommissioned in 1987.
A structural condition assessment of the tower was completed in January, 2018, an estimated its remaining life to be 15 to 20 years.
Repairs and surface treatments estimated at $130,000 would have achieved an additional 10 years.
An independent heritage review found that the tower was of local heritage significance.
Of the eight standpipes that were designed by John Monash and constructed within Victoria, seven including Wahgunyah are still standing.
The 18-metre tall structure was once the town's water supply and is set apart from other water towers by its narrow shape.
Wahgunyah Progress Association member Alan Pleitner said the demolition was unfortunate but necessary.
"We accept the expert's advice that it's not feasible to try to maintain it," he said.
"Unfortunately, it's one of those pieces of life that happens.
"The best to expect was another 10 to 20 years out of it and start all over again [with upgrades].
"It's a shame to lose a part of history of the town, but unfortunately that's what happens."
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Mr Pleitner said he hadn't heard about a Melbourne company being awarded the demolition tender.
"I would have thought we had someone from up this way who could do the job so the work is kept local," he said.
As part of the procurement process, NEW did have discussions with one local company, and on consideration of the requirements, they decided the project was too complex.
This project is high-risk as it is located close to dwellings and power lines.