A telecommunication tower is likely to be erected in Elston Park, despite objections from the Dubbo community.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A development application for a 31.3 metre high tower and an equipment shelter, which will form part of Telstra’s existing mobile phone network has been submitted to Dubbo Regional Council.
According to a council report, Elston Park was chosen as the site for the tower due to service gaps within the existing Telstra network, and to avoid interference with existing telecommunication infrastructure and residential development.
Council’s director environmental services Melissa Watkins said there were two objections received by council on the tower, based primarily on how it would look.
To minimise the visual impact a landscaping plan will be submitted by the applicant, developed in conjunction with council’s parks and landcare division. Existing landscaping will also help to provide a buffer between the tower and nearby residences, the report states.
Comments were also received on the safety of the proposed development and a suggestion it should be located at the Dubbo Showground instead of Elston Park.
The tower and the electromagnetic energy it emits is within the mandated exposure limit, ensuring there will be no adverse health impacts on any resident or users of Elston Park.
The applicant told council: “Whilst we appreciate that a facility within the showgrounds may be visually less obtrusive, a site here would be too far north of the target area on Cobra Street, and too close to the existing site at White Street in particular, to provide the required level of coverage”.
Whilst we appreciate that a facility within the showgrounds may be visually less obtrusive, a site here would be too far north of the target area...
- DA applicant
The construction of the tower has been recommended for approval by administrator Michael Kneipp, however he will make a final decision on Monday.