Ocean Grove phone tower’s fate hangs in the balance

A PLANNING permit application to build a telecommunications facility in Ocean Grove has
received 45 objections, pushing councillors to hold a forum at City Hall this evening (Thursday)
to decide the tower’s fate.

Objectors will face a panel of at least six councillors to express their concerns about the
monopole and its three panel antennas that will stand at a height of 20 metres.

Hosted by Cr Stephanie Asher, the planning committee will discuss the application’s agenda to
decide if it will be installed at the shopping centre car park at 74-92 The Parade.

Hendry Cycles owner Stephen Draper, whose shop is just 20 metres away from the proposed tower, told the Bellarine Times last August that he would like to see other “less population-dense” areas in the region be considered for the CPS Global tower.

He also said he would like for COGG to have an “extended planning consultation” to give residents in the area an opportunity to have their say.

With the meeting scheduled for 5.30pm today, Mr Draper said he will be in attendance.

“We wouldn’t want council to make a hasty decision without further public consultation,” he said.

“We also don’t want them to make a mess when they’re putting something that big into the ground that would be difficult to remove.

“The Parade is the truest entry to the town… I’m glad COGG is inviting anyone wanting to object.”

The forum will be held today at 5.30pm at Council Chambers, City Hall, 57 Little Malop Street, Geelong.

The agenda for the application can be read on council’s website.

For more information, phone Erin Jones on 5272 4766 or email [email protected]. gov.au.