Grove residents protest against proposed tower

OCEAN Grove residents concerned about a proposed mobile base station in their town met at the weekend to discuss their objections.

The protest attracted a good turnout of residents who were against a telecommunications facility in the shopping centre car park at 74-92 The Parade.

CPS Global on behalf of Vodafone Hutchison Australia submitted a planning permit application to the City of Greater Geelong, stating that the proposed facility “is a critical part of Vodafone and Optus’ joint venture program, which will significantly improve 3G and 4G coverage to the residential and commercial areas in the vicinity of the Ocean Gove town centre”.

But business owners operating close to the proposed site, including Ocean Grove Hardware owner Paul Drake and Hendry Cycles owner Stephen Draper, are not keen on the tower.

Mr Drake said he was “shocked and appalled” by the lack of concern given to the appearance of one of the main entrances into The Terrace shopping precinct, while Mr Draper said he was concerned about the tower emitting electromagnetic radiation.

Public comment surrounding the tower closed on Sunday.