By KATH GANNAWAY
A PROPOSAL for a mobile telecommunications tower in the middle of Yarra Junction has sparked a petition calling for it to be relocated.
Concerned residents have circulated the petition calling for “urgent action” and a public meeting is being held tonight (Tuesday) to inform people of the proposal.
Yarra Ranges Council has confirmed Optus has applied for a permit to install a 42.4 metre high cell tower to be erected behind the Yarra Centre, which is part of the recreation precinct that includes the football and netball complex, the swimming pool and gym, Upper Yarra Museum, the Yarra Burn Centre and recreational open space along the river.
A number of people have contacted the Mail voicing concern over the proposal, but declined to speak on the record.
Their concerns were primarily around the location of the tower and the visual impact on the area, impact on health and the timing of the application in the lead-up to Christmas.
Resident Emma James has a yoga studio at the nearby Yarra Burn Centre and is one of several people behind organising the community meeting to alert residents to the proposal in view of what they say is a proposal that has gone largely ‘under the radar’.
“I don’t understand why they want to make such a horrible eyesore in the middle of town and close to all those community activities,” she told the Mail.
“My children grew up in Yarra Junction and I now have grandchildren. This will be very close to the river and I won’t want to take my children to play in the park there if that (tower) is there,” she said.
“We understand that everyone wants a mobile phone, so we’re not opposed to building towers, but we are opposed to having them right in our faces.”
Yarra Ranges Council’s Planning and Health director Andrew Paxton said Optus wanted to build the tower to increase mobile phone coverage within the greater Yarra Junction area, and said surrounding residents had been notified.
Mr Paxton said signs had been erected on the Warburton Highway and that the applicant had been asked to put an ad in the local paper.
He said the council had advised the applicant that a consultation meeting will be held with residents in the year to address their concerns and objectors would be notified of the date.
The council had received two objections as of Friday last week and says the application will be decided in the new year with objections accepted until the matter is decided.
The application is available for viewing at Yarra Junction and Lilydale community links and submissions can be made by mail or online at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/planningsubmissions
An Optus spokesperson said they had commenced community consultation regarding the proposal and were committed to improving coverage and improving mobile internet services.
He said a new tower would mean business and residential customers would experience improved 3G and 4G voice and data coverage around Yarra Junction, on the Warburton Highway, Noojee Road and other major roadways in the area.
The community meeting is at Amanda’s Cafe, Yarra Junction, at 8pm, Tuesday 24 November.
