Cr Bourke said Bathurst Regional Council and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole had contacted Jemena on several occasions, requesting the fence surrounding the Russell Street site be repaired.

Despite receiving an email from Jemena on September 8 stating work would be carried out, Cr Bourke’s own inspections have revealed areas where people can still gain access to the gasworks building.

A spokesperson for the company told the Western Advocate that it takes security “very seriously at all of its sites” and condemns the actions of those who have accessed the site illegally.

“In response to the concerns raised by the council, we have increased monitoring at the site and will actively maintain the boundary fence,” the spokesperson said.

“We will continue to work with Crown Lands and the local council in relation to the site.”

Cr Bourke fears that someone will be killed if the fence around the gasworks isn’t repaired.

“Over the past 12 months there has been more and more and more graffiti added. It is only a matter of time before one of these kids – and you know they like to explore – is going to fall and get killed,” he said.

Jemena leases the Bathurst Gasworks site from the NSW Government, making the company responsible for its upkeep, however the spokesperson indicated that the company is looking for a way out of that contract.

“Jemena confirms that it currently leases the Bathurst gasworks site and that the lease is not due to expire until 2028,” they said.

“However, as it has no operational use for the Bathurst site, Jemena has approached Crown Lands to hand back the site which would allow it to be put to another use or redeveloped.

“These discussions are ongoing and we are hopeful that an outcome will be reached shortly.”