Update 04 Dec (PM): Telstra Exchange Fire In Warrnambool

This is the latest update on Telstra’s ongoing efforts to restore communication services in south-western Victoria. 

Technicians have continued to make progress in restoring landline and internet services. Ninety three per cent of impacted landlines have now been repaired. Today technicians continue to individually re-cable remaining landline services through the Warrnambool exchange. Additional scaffolding has been set up to expedite the repair of some remaining damaged cables.  Over 50 kilometres of transmission cabling has been replaced to date.

Work to restore internet services is ongoing with approximately 52 per cent of service back on line across the district with, Dartmoor, Port Campbell and Grassmere having services restored and 63 percent of Mortlake back on line. More than 100 technicians are on site carrying out repairs as quickly as possible. 

Telstra has announced a process for business customers affected by this communications outage to claim compensation. The process will include a dedicated call centre for businesses, visits to affected towns and an online claim form. View the announcement here.

With many business services now being restored Telstra has set up a dedicated team to take calls from business customers who may require assistance in reconfiguring their phone and internet services. This team can be reached on 1800 008 979 between the hours of 8:00am to 5:00pm. Today Telstra representatives are going door to door in business areas to check if customers need assistance in Edenhope and Warrnambool. Tomorrow Telstra reps will be in Mortlake, Camperdown and Terang to offer our business customers help.

We apologise for the inconvenience to our customers. We are doing everything we can to get them connected as soon as possible.