Backflip on NBN tower

MANY Bellbrae residents look set to finally be able to access the national broadband network after council approved a controversial NBN tower proposed for the area.

The planning permit was passed at a special Surf Coast Shire council meeting on Tuesday night after receiving an initial council rejection and sitting in limbo for months.

The amended recommendation approved by the council included a call for NBN Co to commit to provide reliable and affordable internet services to those in the Surf Coast Shire who would not be able to access the internet through the new tower.

A preliminary decision to reject the application was made by council members at the ordinary meeting on August 24, after receiving 64 objections to the project and just one in support.

Many objections came from a group of local residents who were concerned that coverage from the tower, planned for 1435 Anglesea Rd, would miss certain sections of West Bellbrae.

The Committee for Equitable Telecommunications Access in Bellbrae proposed an alternative fixed wireless location that reached 344 premises in Bellbrae, which was about 100 less than NBN Co’s solution.

Committee chairman Geoff Winkler said he was disappointed with Tuesday night’s result.

“There’s been this propaganda campaign to deflect and cloud over the real issues,” he said. “This thing about pitting two communities against each other, it was never about that, it was about getting the best deal for the whole community.”

Information supplied by NBN contractor Ericsson after the initial council vote revealed rejection of the NBN tower would affect about 1700 homes in the Bellbrae, Moriac, Gherang, Mt Duneed and Torquay areas.

Surf Coast Shire deputy mayor Carol McGregor said council was aware the proposed NBN tower would not service all locals.

“Council will advocate to the NBN Co for the needs of residents within the shire, who cannot access the NBN service through the telecommunications towers, to be met through a reliable, affordable alternative service,” she said.

Member for Corangamite Sarah Henderson was happy that the application had finally been approved after delays.

“I am delighted that commonsense has prevailed,” she said.

“This thing about pitting two communities against each other, it was never about that, it was about getting the best deal for the whole community.” GEOFF WINKLER