Builders have begun work refurbishing Alison Court, the council-owned unit complex where 79-year-old Col Webb lost his life in the April storm.
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Hunter commercial building firm PDA picked up tools last Wednesday after securing the tender from Dungog Council.
PDA will refurbish 12 of the 18 damaged units and expects to hand over the project in March next year.
The fate of the final six units is currently unknown.
PDA director Peter Petherbridge said the units, which were already stripped of flooring and gyprock by council, would be restored but not modified.
“They’ll have new floors, gyprock, wiring and plumbing,” Mr Petherbridge said.
“They’ll be like new units.”
Dungog Shire Council borrowed money in order to fund the refurbishment after insurance provider Statewide Mutual rejected their claim. The tender amount can not be disclosed because of business confidentiality.
When the Chronicle visited the construction site on Thursday it appeared PDA had stayed to its word about making use of local tradespeople.
Dungog local apprentice Jacob Peacock was one of two workers putting in flooring at the site.
In the Council Happenings column last week Mayor Harold Johnson said the completion of the project would be an important step in the community’s recovery.
“We all look forward to the speedy completion of the refurbishment so that the residents can return and settle back into their community.”
“Priority will be given to the displaced residents when it comes to reoccupying the units,” he told the Chronicle.