Tower divides town

Health and real estate prices cited in opposition

TORQUAY residents aired their objections to a proposed phone tower at Quay Reserve at a council meeting last night.

The contentious tower, which would be in the southeastern corner of the reserve, attracted more than 200 submissions from the community.

The $250,000 pole would improve Torquay’s 3G and 4G network and new residential areas, Telstra planning documents say.

Surf Coast Shire Council received 40 objections and six submissions in support.

Objections included: THE tower would be within a park too close to houses and recreational facilities; DISRESPECTFUL to land owners living within proximity; FAILURE to adequately consider alternative locations; COUNCIL “selling out” the health and welfare of residents; POSSIBILITY of increasing untested 5G technology and significant impact on health; IMPACT of tower on real estate prices; and, VISUAL eyesore.

Supporters of the application were mostly from the Star of the Sea Retirement Village.

Submissions of support said the tower would fix “very poor reception”, such as phone drop-outs and poor internet.

Some people said they were unable to get reception inside their homes and had to go outside to make phone calls or send text messages.

They also said there had been an increase in drop-outs with new houses being built.

Residents said they feared the tower could become 5G in the future and the council confirmed Telstra would not require an extra permit for 5G unless further works were required.

“It is important to note that while the amount of electromagnetic radiation emitted by a telecommunications facility is an issue of community concern, this issue is not considered to be within scope of relevant issues to be considered by council,” a council report reads.

“While the current application is to upgrade the 4G network, it is not the type of network being rolled out that council must consider, rather it is the visual impact of the structure that is relevant under the Planning Scheme provisions.”

The issues raised in submissions will be considered at the September 24 council meeting.