CONCERNED residents opposed to Telstra’s plans to build what is believed to be the tallest phone tower in Perth at Point Walter Golf Course are calling on councillors to recognise the importance of the A-Class Reserve before making their decision.
Last week it was confirmed management at the Department of Regional Development and Lands (DRDL) signed the proposed development application and returned it to the City of Melville, where it will now be processed as a valid planning application – allowing assessment and community consultation to start.
DRDL acting manager Cecelia Smith co-signed the application with a number of conditions, including that there be public consultation conducted by Telstra.
The tower is a high-impact 46-50m multi-use telecommunications monopole to be installed at Point Water Golf Course.
Bicton resident Susanne Taylor-Rees said a Telstra representative confirmed to her that the proposed tower, if erected, would be the largest in Perth.
“The Nedlands (Golf Club) tower initially started at 25m with six antennas and has since grown to 30m with in excess of 40 antennas. This proposed tower is already going to be an extra 15m to 20m taller than that at the beginning,” she said.
“Most alarming to all residents is the total ignorance by Telstra of the status of Point Walter. This is an A-Class Reserve and as such is afforded the highest level of protection for good reason, to be left for perpetuity.”
Mrs Taylor-Rees said more than 5000 local residents had signed a petition opposing the structure and were calling for the Mayor and councillors to listen to their wishes.
Another local resident, Geoff Spalding, said residents fought a campaign in 2002 over a proposed tower there and would do the same this time.
“This tower is larger and represents a real blot on the landscape,” he said.
A Telstra spokesman said the preferred location at Point Walter Golf Club best met the technical requirements with the least visual and environmental impact.
“Other options considered require multiple sites to achieve the same breadth and depth of coverage to the community,” he said.
He said Telstra would engage with the City to ascertain the necessary level of community consultation and assess any concerns expressed by the community.
City of Melville was unable to comment before deadline.