Telco tower in Jan Juc knocked back

COMMMUNITY opposition has led the Surf Coast Shire council to knock back a proposal to build a telecommunications tower in Jan Juc.

At their meeting last week, councillors rejected the officer’s recommendation to enter a lease agreement with Optus, which would have seen a 26m monopole replace an existing 18m light tower closest to the Bob Pettitt Pavilion at Bob Pettitt Reserve.

Optus approached the shire in 2024 to consider entering into a 20-year lease agreement.

The Jan Juc and Torquay area has been identified as a target area for mobile connectivity improvement under the Victorian government’s Connecting Victorian Mobile Program, and the new facility would improve mobile phone coverage and access to mobile services in the Jan Juc area.

Under the terms of the deal, Optus would have paid $17,500 (plus GST) in rent per annum, increasing by 3 per cent each year.

During the community consultation process, 89 submissions were received. Of these, 79 objected to the proposed Optus tower and 10 were in support of it.

“We’ve listened to community concerns and we’ve acted on what we’ve heard,” Cr Liz Pattison said.

“Bob Pettitt Reserve is a very special place for the Jan Juc community, which is used on a daily basis by people of all ages and walks of life.

“Locals feel a strong connection to the reserve, appreciating its environmental importance and the vital role it plays in community life – from sport and recreation to social connection.”

She said improved phone coverage was important, but it must not be “at the expense of our precious natural environment”.

“Thanks to everyone who took the time to have their say.

“I feel lucky to live in a place where people care deeply and take real pride in where they call home.”