By Paul Millar
A DECISION to block plans for a telecommunications tower at Hamlyn Heights, shows that council is listening to ratepayers, according to Cr Eddie Kontelj.
The ward councillor said Telstra’s bid to build the 35-metre tower at Hamlyn Park Reserve attracted 630 objections.
Councillors decided this week against granting the telecommunications provider a lease to use council’s land for the structure in the latest twist in an ongoing battle between residents and Telstra.
Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) in December rejected objections to the tower over public health concerns about electro-magnetic radiation.
Tribunal deputy president Mark Dwyer said second-guessing authorities regulating health issues was not VCAT’s role.
“VCAT is not a forum for addressing all issues of social or community concern, nor is it an investigative body,’’ he said in the ruling.
Telstra appeared to have won the battle but Cr Kontelj said council had since taken into account numerous objections before deciding against granting the lease.
“I’m extremely proud with the way council has voted on this,” he said.
“Councillors were brave enough to stand up for the people we represent. Hamlyn Park Reserve is not the right place for this to happen.’
Cr Kontelj abstained from voting on the lease due to an indirect conflict because a family member had signed a petition against the tower.
A Telstra spokesman said the company was disappointed with the decision.
“Our aim is to improve mobile services and increase capacity in order to meet customer demand. The location of the proposed site was selected following an intensive search by our engineers and considered the ideal location to improve services in the area,” he said.
“We will look to continue discussions with the council and local community on our options.”
Telstra’s lease application, submitted a year ago, said existing telecommunications infrastructure in the Hamlyn Heights area would exceed capacity within two months.
The provider said residents and businesses would soon experience relatively slow data speeds, calls dropping out and connections unavailable.
Council officers had provided landowner consent to lodge a planning permit application following consultation with Bell Park Sports and Recreation Club and negotiations with Telstra on funding for the installation of lighting at the reserve.
