Friday 14 November 2008

North Coast communities baulk at Optus tower proposals

Optus is making rather heavy weather of its plans to erect mobile phone towers across the Clarence Valley.

First they found themselves being seen-off by Iluka residents in a skirmish over there, with the local doctor threatening to close his practice and leave if the tower went ahead.
Currently they have their Iluka development application on hold while they scout for another suitable site.

Then The Daily Examiner reported on Thursday that Junction Hill and Glenreagh communities are up in arms over plans for towers there and are actively lobbying Clarence Valley Council.

Councillor Ian Tiley led Tuesday's push against the applications for the two towers, arguing they were contrary to council's sustainability initiative, the major strategic document guiding council decision-making, and would negatively affect the surrounding area.

Cr Tiley was supported by Crs Pat Comben and Craig Howe on blocking the Glenreagh tower, with Cr Sue Hughes supporting these councillors in recommending the Junction Hill tower be refused.

One would have thought that by now the major telecommunication companies would have realised that they need to take note of community concerns ahead of any application to council.
Instead of hoping that their corporate weight will bend local government at will.

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