Telstra revives consultation for mobile tower at Bellbrae’s cemetery

A PROPOSAL to build a mobile phone tower near the Bellbrae Cemetery has been revived, with Telstra running community consultation on the project after their initial application lapsed.

Building the telecommunications facility is not universally supported in the town, with a local architect saying the tower will “dominate the skyline and the visual aesthetic of the Bellbrae township”.

The Surf Coast Shire’s general manager of environment and development Ransce Salan said Telstra lodged a planning permit in September 2020 for the 35-metre monopole and associated infrastructure at the south-east corner of the cemetery at 65 School Road, Bellbrae.

“Council made a request for further information in September 2020 to determine a number of matters and to enable proper assessment of the application.

“The applicant requested an extension of time to provide an appropriate response. A series of extensions were granted, until May 17, 2021, when no further information or request was submitted in time and the application lapsed under Section 54A of the Planning and Environment Act.”

James Deans, of James Deans & Associate Architects, said he and other residents had “fully objected” since at least mid-May to a mobile phone tower being built in the cemetery.

“The site is adjacent to a flora and fauna reserve, it’s in a cemetery of peace and rest and will tower over the Bellbrae township and be visible from town and as far away as Grossmans Road as you enter the crest of the hill going south.

“The sun will shine on the structure and be a highly visible beacon dominating the skyline and the visual aesthetic of the Bellbrae township, which is a highly vegetated green space.”

Telstra says the proposed facility is required to “meet increased demand placed on the network, accommodate growth in our customer base, and improve and maintain local mobile network services”.

Telstra is inviting feedback on the proposal until July 30. Phone Clinton Northey on 0439 180 205 or email [email protected].