Roadworks damage claim voted against

Shire of Dumbleyung council last month voted eight to one against awarding compensation to a local couple for damages claimed to have been done to their home.

In June last year, roadworks were carried out on the western end of Taylor Street, Dumbleyung, which Tony and Skye Beacall claim caused significant damage to their home — the only residential property on their Taylor Street block.

Big cracks are visible on almost every wall and ceiling corner throughout Mr and Mrs Beacall’s home and there are cracks running along window frames.

The couple claim the damage was caused by a vibration roller used during the roadworks.

Mrs Beacall said correspondence between her and the Shire of Dumbleyung showed chief executive Matthew Gilfellon, who has since resigned, claiming the vibration roller was never used because it had broken down during the roadworks.

“Upon asking (the Shire of Dumbleyung) what the alternative was, we were told it was a skid-steer loader — a bloody bobcat,” Mr Beacall said. “If you used a bobcat (for the road works), it wouldn’t last two seconds. (The) first car to go down it would rip it apart.”

The couple, who own a freight transport business, believe that as much as $100,000 worth of damage may have been done to the home.

Mrs Beacall said financial and emotional stress had contributed to their decision to sell part of the business.

“Part of (Tony) getting rid of our business was this as well. We couldn’t deal with having trouble with our partner and having trouble with this,” Mrs Beacall said.

“Financially we are in a big hole now because we have had to throw the business in and pay off debts. Some days I’m all right — other days I just wake up and can’t function.”

Mr Beacall said after the February 21 council meeting, the stress led him to seek out a psychiatrist. He is now taking anti-depressants.

The Shire of Dumbleyung declined multiple requests to comment.