Residents near a proposed phone tower in Wodonga are concerned about a lack of consultation over the proposal. Telstra wants to install the 35 metre tall structure on Bears Hill, near Donnington Drive. Nearby resident Rob McCracken said he had received a letter from Wodonga Council just days before Christmas. He said only a handful of residents had received notification and he has now rallied the residents to oppose the tower, which needs councillor approval. There have been 55 signatories objecting to the plans, with objections closing on Wednesday. "In the lead up to Christmas I photocopied and distributed about 450 copies of a flyer in the area," he said. "What we're concerned about and annoyed about is the short time it's gone out to the market. "Telstra has provided information to a small number of people. IN OTHER NEWS: "With the timing around Christmas, with people busy and away, there's not enough time for people to do their homework." Mr McCracken is keen to see Wednesday's deadline for objections extended and suggested the tower be located further up the hill and away from houses. "We understand the need for a good telecommunications system, but we would like to see some safer site options explored more thoroughly in a more reasonable and appropriate location, away from homes and families," he said. Jonathan Lewin said he was also deeply concerned. "It appears that the decision making process on the location of this tower has been made around the ease and cost of construction for the (telecommunications) provider rather than any concerns for the physical and financial welfare of the local residents," he said. "The construction of such a tower a matter of metres from my home will almost certainly have a deleterious effect on its value." Telstra's application noted there was limited mobile infrastructure in the area, growing demand for services, and that the proposal met health requirements. Wodonga Council chief executive Mark Dixon said those with concerns could contact planning staff. "All processes required under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 have been undertaken including notification to adjoining properties, an extended exhibition period as well as, in this instance, the requirements under the Telecommunications Act," he said. "Any member of the public who has concerns regarding this application is encouraged to contact council's planning team to view and discuss the application."
SITE: Concerned resident Rob McCracken on Bears Hill in Wodonga. Telstra wants to install a 35 metre tall phone tower at the site as demand for services in south Wodonga sharply increases. Picture: MARK JESSER
Residents near a proposed phone tower in Wodonga are concerned about a lack of consultation over the proposal.
Nearby resident Rob McCracken said he had received a letter from Wodonga Council just days before Christmas.
He said only a handful of residents had received notification and he has now rallied the residents to oppose the tower, which needs councillor approval.
There have been 55 signatories objecting to the plans, with objections closing on Wednesday.
"In the lead up to Christmas I photocopied and distributed about 450 copies of a flyer in the area," he said.
"What we're concerned about and annoyed about is the short time it's gone out to the market.
"Telstra has provided information to a small number of people.
"With the timing around Christmas, with people busy and away, there's not enough time for people to do their homework."
Mr McCracken is keen to see Wednesday's deadline for objections extended and suggested the tower be located further up the hill and away from houses.
"We understand the need for a good telecommunications system, but we would like to see some safer site options explored more thoroughly in a more reasonable and appropriate location, away from homes and families," he said.
Jonathan Lewin said he was also deeply concerned.
"It appears that the decision making process on the location of this tower has been made around the ease and cost of construction for the (telecommunications) provider rather than any concerns for the physical and financial welfare of the local residents," he said.
"The construction of such a tower a matter of metres from my home will almost certainly have a deleterious effect on its value."
Wodonga Council chief executive Mark Dixon said those with concerns could contact planning staff.
"All processes required under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 have been undertaken including notification to adjoining properties, an extended exhibition period as well as, in this instance, the requirements under the Telecommunications Act," he said.
"Any member of the public who has concerns regarding this application is encouraged to contact council's planning team to view and discuss the application."
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