Torched road roller will cost ratepayers despite insurance
RATEPAYERS are the victims of a fire that gutted an expensive piece of Lismore City Council machinery, corporate services manager Simon Adcock said.
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RATEPAYERS are the victims of a fire that gutted an expensive piece of Lismore City Council machinery, corporate services manager Simon Adcock said.
Firefighters spent almost an hour on Wednesday night extinguishing a council smooth drum roller which was alight in Lismore.
A spokesperson for NSW Fire and Rescue said they received a call at 12.19am to reports of a machinery fire in Winterton Pde, Lismore, near the racecourse.
Two trucks attended and had the fire extinguished by 1.15am.
Richmond Local Area Command Inspector Susie Johnston said the smooth roller's engine was completely destroyed.
It is not known whether the fire was deliberate, but Insp Johnston confirmed police would investigate the incident.
The exact price of the destroyed roller could not be determined yesterday.
However Lismore City Council accepted a tender for a similar 14 tonne smooth drum roller in 2011 for $163,909.
Mr Adcock said the destruction of the roller was a loss for the community.
"We are disappointed to lose a valuable piece of equipment which will cost the community a significant amount of money to replace, even though we are insured," he said.
Mr Adcock said the council wouldn't be commenting further as the fire was now the subject of a police investigation.
Anyone with information about the fire is urged to call Lismore Police Station on 6626 0504, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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