About 60 people including representatives from NBN Co, Table Top residents and Aboriginal representatives attended the meeting at Table Top hall to discuss the location of the new tower.

Wiradjuri elder Ivan Williams said the tower would be located just below Crown land and trees within the area were found to have scars on them, representing an important part of aboriginal heritage.

“Throughout Aboriginal history, people scarred trees for a reason, these trees look to signify the death of a baby,” Mr Williams said.

Mr Williams’ son Shaun spoke on behalf of the Aboriginal Land Council which was notified about the trees two weeks ago.

“The trees were used to show burial sites, women’s areas, men’s areas and trade routes,” he said.

“In Albury alone we have already lost a lot of history and to know that I can go somewhere and see my history would mean a lot to me.”

Mr Williams said if the tower was to go up he wanted reassurances that it would not affect the trees.

“The tower could disturb the wildlife and environment surrounding the trees and they could die,” he said.

“I want them to do the right thing and protect our history, we want to see the trees live as long as possible.

“To disturb the soil that our people died on hurts me and my people, we won’t be able to share our rich history with our children.”

The location of the tower has been the centre of controversy for Table Top residents who are concerned the 35-metre-tall structure would obstruct views and potentially cause health and environmental issues.

Table Top spokesperson Sarah Schmidt is about to begin building a house near the tower and said it was too late to change location.

“The NBN has moved towers in locations including at Walla where they moved it two kilometres out of town,” she said.

“If they can do that there, then I don’t see why they can’t do it for us.”

A spokesperson for the NBN said last night’s meeting was about hearing community concerns.

“We don’t want to rush the decision, so we have extended the submission period to September 5,” he said.

No date had been set to make a decision.