Whalan residents ‘still in shock’, counting costs after gas leak explosion

Residents returning home to count the cost in Whalan are “in shock” and no closer to knowing how their damaged homes will be repaired after a deadly gas leak explosion last weekend.

A week after a horrific explosion claimed the life of a young woman, residents in the western Sydney suburb of Whalan are returning home to the site of the destruction with more questions than answers.

One neighbour just metres from the blast zone told The Sunday Telegraph he was “still in shock and processing” the disaster.

Others, who wanted to remain anonymous, said they still did not know who would pay for the clean-up and the damages.

On Saturday, the scene of the explosion remained full of rubble, with belongings strewn across the properties and streets.

Milan Mikac lives in the quiet cul-de-sac opposite the housing commission homes that blew up last weekend and says he now has to look for somewhere else to stay while repairs are done.

Milan Mikac with sons Lukas (right) and Jacob (left) at his home, which suffered extensive damage due to the blast. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Mr Mikac was at home with his two sons Lukas and Jacob when the explosion, which felt like an “earthquake, occurred.

“We’re hoping they (insurers and the government) come to the party to fix it,” he said.

The scene of the explosion in Whalan on Saturday, a week after a massive explosion. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“But it could be worse, I feel sorry for the lady that died. I’m going to have to move out now and find a rental when they come and do repairs.

Windows in two of his bedrooms were blown out, several walls developed cracks and part of the roof and exterior of his home are now falling off.

“This is going to cost me in the long run if I want to sell, so I’m hoping for a knockdown and rebuild. Otherwise potential buyers are going to remember the blast and start pointing out things wrong (with the home),” Mr Mikac said.

Mr Mikac was one of several neighbours who reported gas repair works being done at the homes where the explosion took place, as recently as January this year.

Mr Mikac is one of several who returned home to count the cost this week. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

One man said he returned home this week to find parts of his roof missing, his fence blown over and no word from authorities.

It comes as data shows the housing commission residents in the local government of area of Blacktown, which counts Whalan in its catchment, had the most number of complaints to Homes NSW across the state.

A total of 483 complaints were made to the department by Blacktown locals in the last financial year up until May 31.

Campbelltown ranked second with 311 complaints in the same time frame.

The statewide data shows that “leaks” were the third most common complaint with 349 made since July last year.

Residents said they were only just returning to assess the damage. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

The Blacktown LGA, which includes Whalan, is the top place for complaints from housing commission tenants. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Housing NSW said it planned to introduce a new system from July 1 to make it “easier” for tenants to log repairs, without providing any detail.

“Homes NSW values feedback about the services we provide, with multiple pathways available to our tenants to make complaints where services have not met their expectations,” a spokesman said.

“We deliver around 500,000 work requests each year with the number of complaints received being relatively small at just 1 per cent of the total work orders raised resulting in complaints or feedback.

“However, we do know current response times on maintenance requests have deteriorated. Homes NSW has been established to drive improvements in these time frames and improve customer service to our tenants.”

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