General News
21 March, 2024
Office had few visits each week, says GMW
GOULBURN Murray Water will walk from Pyramid Hill by August. The State Government-owned water business will close its customer service office in June and the works depot two months later. GMW says the closures will improve its efficiency. The...
GOULBURN Murray Water will walk from Pyramid Hill by August.
The State Government-owned water business will close its customer service office in June and the works depot two months later.
GMW says the closures will improve its efficiency.
The Pyramid Hill customer service centre has been an appointment-only centre since 2022.
“This transition will not impact our commitment to delivering exceptional customer service across the West Area footprint,” said water delivery Services general manager Warren Blyth.
“Customers will continue to receive high-level face-to-face service from our team based at our Kerang customer service centre.”
GMW says it has continued to see a significant decrease in foot traffic in its regional customer service centres in recent years.
“Even with the easing of coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, the number of people attending our offices is less than pre-2020,” Mr Blyth said.
“With improvements in technology, staff have been able to head straight to the field to meet a customer without needing to visit or meet at a GMW office.”
The Pyramid Hill works depot will close mid-August 2024 and the site will be sold.
Mr Blyth said the Pyramid Hill office had been averaging two or three appointments a week depending on the time of year.
“Over the past six months GMW has been liaising with staff and other key stakeholders about the decision to close the Pyramid Hill office and depot.
“Letters were sent to all customers last week advising of the change, ahead of the June 28 closure.
“The changes are not about reducing staff numbers. The team will continue to operate at current staffing levels.
“Customers can continue to book an appointment via phone or email to organise a team member to visit them at their farm.
Closure of GMW sites in Pyramid Hill comes less than a year after Bendigo Bank ripped up its agency agreement with Mark Lacey and left town.
Pyramid Hill is also one of three northern Loddon towns without a permanent police officer. Police from other towns in the shire are covering Pyramid Hill, Boort and Serpentine with Victoria Police last week saying the Pyramid Hill vacancy was “in the process” of being advertised.