A local business has been issued an emergency evacuation order, deeming the business premises an imminent and ongoing threat to lives.
Kilmore hairdresser and salon Briah Mae Hair and Body were issued the notice in May this year, following concerns raised with Council about a vertical crack in the business’s interior and exterior façade.
Noticed first in September 2023 by tenant Sheree Moore, who immediately alerted Council to the issue, the cracks began to worsen over the following months. Consequently, in March, the business was issued an order that mandated that the private property owner undertake necessary works to stabilise and secure the building to ensure the safety of all occupants and the public.
However, with the cracks untended to, Council had no choice but to issue a second, and final order on May 31, demanding that Ms Moore cease trading by 5pm Monday, June 3.
With just three days’ notice to cease trading, Ms Moore was shocked. Finding a new location to house her six staff and two apprentices, including two part-time secondary students, was going to be difficult.
Ms Moore posted on Facebook to update her faithful clientele and reached out to contact everyone with an appointment to reschedule. Fortunately, Ms Moore secured new premises and moved into the new location over the King’s Birthday long weekend.
Now operating from 5/8 Glanville Drive in Kilmore – a smaller, yet safer, working environment – Ms Moore praised Council’s Building Services and Economic Development Teams.
“It was a miracle to get all the tradies together and find a suitable nearby location so we could be business as usual on Tuesday, June 12,” she said.
Mitchell Shire Council Chief Executive Brett Luxford said Council’s efforts were focused on ensuring compliance with safety requirements and facilitating a smooth and efficient resolution to the situation.
“The more recent order prohibits occupation of the building as further movement occurred. Council appreciates the cooperation and patience shown by both the tenant and the property owner throughout this process,” he said.
“This ongoing assessment will include the removal of the temporary fencing once the building is deemed safe.”
The Municipal Building Surveyor continues to closely monitor the building on a daily basis, making updates to the emergency order as required.
