Wodonga Council has approved a 35 metre Telstra mobile phone tower for the Bears Hill area despite strong opposition from neighbouring residents.
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The planning application was unanimously given the green light by the four remaining councillors left to vote when Cr John Watson declared a conflict due to receiving rent from Telstra for another tower on property he owns. Cr Ron Mildren also owns property in the area and left the chamber.
Cr Graeme Simpfendorfer queried what would happen if the matter was delayed and council's planning director Leon Schultz said council was obligated to determine the application within 60 days.
If there was a delay the proponent could take the matter to VCAT in a potentially costly move for ratepayers.
"It's been quite problematic, I appreciate everyone's opinion and this is going to be one of those that doesn't make everyone happy," Cr Simpfendorfer said.
Cr Libby Hall agreed.
"The Donnington Drive-Bears Hill placement for this infrastructure is one of those where you are damned if you do and damned if you don't," she said.
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One of the chief objectors, Rob McCracken, said the outcome was predictable.
"We tried to get the vote deferred to push Telstra to seek an alternative site, away from our backyard and homes, that would still work for everyone," he said.
"It was most disappointing that the council seemed to ignore its local community and were not interested in a deferral and pushing Telstra.
"Two councillors didn't vote based on conflicts of interest, Kat Bennett was on leave and the CEO Mark Dixon also did not attend the meeting.
"This didn't leave many councillors to vote and the small number of remaining councillors seemed to be more concerned about potential VCAT legal fees, rather than listening to the community who voted them in."
Telstra regional general manager Loretta Willaton welcomed the council's call.
"This new mobile site will improve coverage and boost connectivity for locals around Wodonga South," she said.
"The decision gives us certainty over our new site at Bears Hill and means we can get on with delivering improved mobile coverage to Wodonga South.
"We'll be moving quickly to finalise the remaining aspects of the project so we can get started on construction as soon as possible."
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