Call to scrap phone tower
Ocean Grove’s village feel at risk
OCEAN Grove residents are calling for plans to build a 20m telecommunications tower in the town centre to be hung up.
The Vodafone tower is proposed to be built in a carpark along the The Parade, one of the main streets of the busy coastal village.
Trader Stephen Draper said many in the community were unhappy with the location of the proposed tower.
“You’ve got a little village town close to the beach that has had a council spend possibly up to $100,000 in beautification works over the years, yet there is a proposal to put a heavy industrial tower right in the heart of the town centre,” Mr Draper said.
He was also concerned about the “long-term health effects” a telecommunications tower could have on local traders and community members in such a built-up area.
A Vodafone spokeswoman said the company was working to boost coverage in a fastgrowing area.
“There is growing demand for improved mobile services in the area, and the proposed site location at The Parade would deliver the best cover- age outcome for the community’s needs,” she said.
“The proposed site would deliver improved mobile voice and data services to Ocean Grove’s local residents, businesses and visitors.
“Vodafone takes a range of factors into consideration before selecting a site for a mobile tower, and we are working closely with the local council to address community feedback,” the spokeswoman said.
The planning permit is open for community consultation on the City of Greater Geelong website, with submissions accepted until on Sunday.
A community meeting is planned for on Sunday at the proposed tower site (74-92 The Parade, Ocean Grove) at 2pm to discuss the proposal. All welcome.