A group of Woodend residents are petitioning local council to stop plans for a 33 metre tall mobile phone tower at Woodend Train Station.
The Optus proposal forms part of the Victorian Government’s Regional Rail Connectivity Project to improve coverage in black spot areas but locals want to see its location reconsidered.
“There’s no objection to proper coverage for Woodend but this just isn’t the correct place for it,” Woodend resident Terry Caelli said.
The site, near the Christian Street/Corinella Road intersection, is less than 50 metres from residential homes, a popular park and children’s playground and next to a historically significant water tower at the station.
A petition against a tower on the site has gained the support of more than 150 signatories.
One of those objectors is direct neighbour Cassandra Simmons who stressed the importance of visual amenity to the region.
“It is an unprecedented move to place the tower in the heart of this village, as other towers along the rail line between Sunbury and Bendigo have been placed in more discreet areas, out of town among trees, or in paddocks,” she said.
“This is totally inconsistent with the state government and Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s views for the towns in this shire.”
Optus states the purpose is to improve network performance to address slow data and downloads and call drop-outs but some believe the proximity to houses could create other technical problems.
Woodender Michael Duffy has a background in antenna work and believes such a tower at close proximity to homes has the potential to overload older TV antenna installations.
The tower requires a permit from Macedon Ranges Shire Council and is exempt from public notification requirements, however, public consultation was held at the end of last year.
While the proposal received some support from residents there was a clear majority in favour of a new location.
The online petition can be found at chng.it/jxPhPQmGdH
