Rusty's servo renovations halfway there after delays
Construction at a well known Warrego Hwy servo taking twice as long as expected.
Gatton
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DESPITE suffering a number of setbacks over summer Rusty's fuel station is a step closer to re-opening, with the refurbishments to the local landmark nearing the halfway mark according to its owner.
The well-known servo on the Warrego Highway closed for refurbishment in August last year sparking much speculation online among motorists about its fate.
Work was expected to be finished by December but the time frame for its completion has almost doubled.
Daygold Group director Ross McPhee said the Hatton Vale site had been harder work than anticipated, with the wet summer and unexpected discoveries delaying the project.
"The pipework was like spaghetti... We had to pull out a lot of asbestos, and by the time we pulled out the asbestos there was nothing left."
Aside from some sections of the foundation, the only part of the original building that remains is the front facade.
"We're still going to try and dress it up as Rusty's - the building will be Rusty's, it's not going to have any oil company on it," Mr McPhee said.
"I could talk to someone in Western Australia and they've heard of Rusty's, so we're trying to keep the identity if we can."
The refurbishment has seen new canopies installed and the main station gutted and rebuilt.
Mr McPhee says the revised completion date was around the end of May.
"Once we get this (main building) done, we can move on pretty quick."
Despite the set backs, Mr McPhee is looking forward to re-opening the former fixture of the community, bigger and better than before.
"It'll be a lot nicer place to come to than before."
Plans to include restaurants and retail stores in the upgrade have been shelved however.
Mr McPhee said the zoning in the area made planning too difficult.
"No one wanted to help, I talked for two years with government and just couldn't get a conclusion."
"How long do you wait?"
It's still not decided which company will supply fuel at the station with several, including Shell, still in contention.
"We're waiting for the best offer for us to go forward with."
Originally published as Rusty's servo renovations halfway there after delays
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