Tower refused as ‘little fellas’ take on Telstra
A telecommunications tower in one of Warragul’s most iconic heritage precincts has been refused by Baw Baw Shire Council.
Despite a motion to approve the application from Telstra, the majority of councillors did not support the tower being placed in Victoria St.
The proposed site, at 92 Victoria St, includes the St Paul’s Anglican Church and rectory – both covered by a heritage overlay - and is opposite a heritage protected residential area.
The application attracted 10 objections that largely related to the aesthetic impact of a 23.6 metre monopole tower on surrounding heritage buildings and neighbourhood character.
Other concerns related to health impacts resulting from electro-magnetic radiation.
Council cited a number of grounds for refusal including: the tower’s adverse effect on a heritage place; its size, location and appearance would cause unreasonable detriment; and, it was inappropriately located given its visual prominence.
Victoria St resident Margaret Jenkins argued the tower was inappropriate in a heritage precinct.
She said her house was covered by a heritage overlay so any works visible from the road were subject to heritage requirements, yet Telstra could build a tower.
“I am not against the tower, just the placement of it in a heritage area. There are other more suitable areas in Warragul,” she said.
Frank Spiteri said he was concerned about the “structure confronting me every morning when I get out of bed.”
“I recently went through a long process to put up a fence because we live in a heritage area. We have to abide by the heritage rules but obviously Telstra don’t have to,” he said.
Ross Dawson told council he was concerned about the lack of clarity surrounding health and safety concerns.
Planners recommended the application be approved but a motion from Crs Peter Kostos and Michael Leaney to approve the tower was defeated.
The planning report argued the tower would improve telecommunications services for local businesses and community members.
Planners said it was not sufficient to refuse the tower on heritage grounds given telecommunications facilities were considered key infrastructure.
Crs Darren Wallace and Keith Cook successfully put forward a motion the application be refused with a notice of decision.
Cr Kostos said Telstra did an enormous amount of work to establish where they would get the best reception.
He said council received numerous complaints about mobile reception in the central business district and the tower was a good result for Warragul people.
Cr Leaney said it was a complicated process to determine where to put a tower and it was “not just a matter of putting it on the highest hill.”
But their arguments did not convince fellow councillors.
Cr Wallace said an ugly monolith pole in a heritage area was not a good outcome.
“This is like The Castle and a case of the little fellas taking on the big fellas.
“I don’t believe Telstra has done its due diligence. There are hills everywhere that could be considered,” he said.
Cr Cook said council was “listening to the little fella and not letting the big corporation come in and take over.”
Cr Joe Gauci said he was reluctant to see the matter go to VCAT and cost ratepayers’ money.
He said there had been previous VCAT findings that stated the “amenity of a few shouldn’t outweigh the benefit of many.”