Residents fight Bells Beach telco tower

BELLS Beach residents want the Surf Coast Shire to reject plans for a 35m telecommunications tower on Addiscott Road.

The tower is proposed for 185 Addiscott Road on land zoned for rural conservation.

The application was lodged with the shire on April 4 and advertised on August 8 after additional information was sought.

Resident Colin Brodie has lodged a formal objection, raising concerns about the zoning, visual impact, lack of community consultation and biodiversity.

“The fact that they want to build a 35m tower, which becomes 36.3m after the antennas go on it, in an area that’s designated Rural Conservation Zone is ridiculous,” he said.

“The development conflicts with all the core objectives of a Rural Conservation Zone, which seek to maintain the natural landscape and equal ecological values.”

Mr Brodie said the impact on bees and other biodiversity was also a major concern in an area with many beekeepers.

 

“There are scientific studies, not anecdotal, proving that these towers disrupt the navigation of bees,” he said.

“Bees potentially lose their way home to the hives, if council is so worried about the ecosystem, the beginning of the ecosystem is bees, without bees, we don’t eat, things don’t get pollinated.”

Mr Brodie said many residents had accepted poor internet and switched to Starlink, meaning the tower would not benefit them.

He said residents had written to the council and would continue to do so in the hopes the application will be rejected.

Surf Coast Shire general manager placemaking and environment Chris Pike said a decision had not been made.

“We’re following our usual processes, which includes the opportunity for people to make a submission.

“Submissions will be considered when making a final decision, as well as whether the application is considered appropriate under the Surf Coast Planning Scheme.”