Whittlesea council has approved a lease agreement with Optus for the construction and operation of a new telecommunications facility at Main Street Recreation Reserve in Thomastown.
Six councillors voted in favour of a 10-year lease with an additional 10-year option at the Tuesday 14 October meeting.
The decision came after a lengthy consultation process which began in 2022 when Optus first proposed a 30-metre tall monopole offering both 4G and 5G services.
Public notice of the lease was published twice, with three community submissions received, including one presented at a hearing of submissions committee meeting in September, where concerns were raised over safety, visual impact and potential disruptions to users of the reserve.
Cr Blair Colwell put his hand up in support of the motion and said the operation of the tower would be safe.
“Evidence overwhelmingly supports these towers are well regulated, safe and pose no demonstrated risk to health,” he said.
“I take the health of our community very seriously.”
Cr Jarrod Lappin voted in support of the motion and said the plans address a popular issue in the community.
“I support this proposal on the grounds that it enables better and more reliable reception for our community, which is an issue that we know persists and the council is actively trying to address,” Cr Lappin said.
“I’d like to assure our community that every precaution has been taken to ensure the ongoing access to the sports and recreation facilities on the subject site and this proposal won’t adversely affect any future development.”
Cr David Lenberg spoke against the proposal, over safety concerns for community housing and children.
“…I believe there is insufficient information to make a fully informed and confident decision. If another location could be found away from children and community housing, I believe this to be a better course of action,” Cr Lenberg said.
“I do not feel entirely assured.”
Council officers noted the facility meets Australian safety standards set by the Australia Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA).
The lease will generate $30,000 in annual rent for council, with 3 per cent yearly increases.
