VIEW ORIGINAL TEXT BY ANDREW MANGELSDORF, THE DAILY ADVERTISER
I’m deeply disappointed with the recent decision to approve the construction of a 30-metre-high Optus mobile tower at 13 Sycamore Road in Lake Albert, despite strong opposition from the community.
At Monday night’s meeting, the council voted in favour of the $385,000 tower. I was the only councillor to vote against the proposal, and I have to say, I’m quite disheartened by the outcome.
“The outcome is disappointing,” I said during the meeting. “Although the applicant met the technical requirements, there are still significant grey areas that need addressing.”
Ventia planning manager Caitlin Spencer presented her case for the tower via video link, but I found her responses to be evasive and unsatisfactory.
“When asked directly about certain issues, her answers were convoluted and evasive,” I remarked. “What we really need is a comprehensive policy on where telecommunications towers should be placed within our LGA. We need clear guidelines to prevent future conflicts and ensure that all stakeholders can see and understand zoning decisions.”
You might recall that last year, Ventia withdrew their initial application for a tower located closer to residents on Sycamore Road after facing community backlash. The new application, which was recently submitted, included some adjustments, such as relocating the tower about 100 metres further from the road.
There was also a previous postponement of the vote due to councillors Mick Henderson and Jenny McKinnon having to recuse themselves because of a conflict of interest. They had attended a community meeting at the proposed site, which meant they could not participate in the vote.
At the recent council meeting, Glen Gaudron, whose property is next to the proposed site, expressed frustration over the lack of consultation with nearby residents about alternative locations. He also raised concerns about the impact on bees and questioned why the tower couldn’t be co-located with an existing Telstra tower on Vincent Road. Additionally, he worried that the tower might negatively impact property values and hinder future subdivision.
John Wilcox also voiced strong opposition, pointing out that the majority of residents in the area were against the project. He suggested that a better system for determining tower locations should be put in place.
In response to the proposal, Ms Spencer argued that extensive planning had been done and that the benefits of 4G and 5G technology would outweigh the visual impact. She dismissed concerns about property values and Mr Gaudron’s worries about bees.
I pressed Ms Spencer on whether other landowners had been consulted about alternative sites after the initial application was withdrawn. She explained that while other locations were considered, no direct consultations with other landowners took place, and it was deemed best to keep the tower in the same general area.
Despite the concerns raised, the council decided to approve the tower. I encourage residents who are concerned about this decision to seek legal advice if they believe they have grounds to challenge it in the Land and Environment Court. However, I acknowledge that pursuing legal action can be very challenging.
Councillors Rod Kendall, Georgie Davies, Amelia Parkins, and Mayor Dallas Tout voted in favour of the development application, while I was the sole vote against it. Crs McKinnon and Henderson recused themselves from the vote due to their conflict of interest, and Cr Tim Koschel was absent due to leave.
Cr Richard Foley
