Archive: Telecommunications
Last Updated 29/3/10
(19/11/09 - P) Improves telecommunications, but hey, what about impacts on a national if not international icon and landscape?
An application has been received by Macedon Ranges Council for buildings and works for a telecommunication facility comprising a 33.35 metre monopole, associated antennas and equipment shelter. The total height of the pole is over 36 metres (sticking up above trees by some 10 - 15 metres). It is proposed to sit on top of a hill about 500 metres from the Hanging Rock Reserve. The site is identified as 179 Colwells Road, Newham, and the Council planning application number is P209 0248. From the permit application, the applicants are listed as Ron Mason, Aurecon, for Optus Mobile, & David Hughes (also of Aurecon) 8683 1165, hughesdm@ap.aurecongroup.com
You can access the application documents by going to
https://greenlight.e-vis.com.au/mrsc/public/main.aspx?frm=uc_applicationDisplay.ascx&appTypeId=1&mId=96&AppId=5233
MRRA Says:
Sorry, Mr. Optus, but not good enough. We value this landscape, even if you don't.
By our reckoning, the pole will stand some 10 - 15 metres above surrounding trees - not quite invisible!
While most of the 'pole bits' are proposed to be painted "Pale Eucalyptus", the 36 metre height of the pole, on a hill, above the trees, so close to Hanging Rock, means it will intrude into this irreplaceable landscape.
There is also a problem with what appears to be at least 500 metres of new overhead powerline needed to get power from Colwells Road to the monopole on top of the hill (not visually attractive and an additional fire risk), the cyclone-type fencing proposed around the facility (no indication it will be a 'recessive' colour) and a new 80 metre "track" proposed up the hill to allow access to the facility (that's assuming the rest of the access 'road' doesn't need upgrading). There isn't much discussion of these issues in the applicant's planning report, and there are no options put forward to make these 'blend' into in this highly significant landscape.
We found a discrepancy or two between what's said in the planning report, and what's shown on other application documents - it's confusing to find one promoting overhead powerlines (less earthworks), and another saying 'underground power'.
The planning report also seems to have overlooked a Vegetation Protection overlay (VPO9) that applies to the land (there is more to vegetation than trees!), and the only State policy (SPPF) that seems to rate is the one dealing with telecommunication facilities. We would have been more reassured if the report had also addressed State policy at Clause 14.01-02 - which says environmentally sensitive areas like Macedon Ranges are to be protected from use and development that diminishes environmental, conservation and recreational values.
The impression that can be taken from the application is that Optus has grudgingly 'done a bit' to make it look like attention has been paid to the site's location in a Rural Conservation zone, within a proclaimed water catchment (Eppalock), within a Significant Landscape overlay and adjacent to an internationally recognized geomorphological landscape feature. Seems they've done what they think is enough to get the application through but aren't prepared to seriously address these issues and the monumental sensitivity of the area over and above 'Pale Eucalyptus' and putting the towering pole amongst some scattered vegetation. Doing it properly seems to be too hard.
And guess what else - this pole sets a precedent: once it's there, you can almost bet there will be others.
As we said at the outset, not good enough.
Contact Council's Planning Department (Rick Traficante, Manager: r.traficante@macedon-ranges.vic.gov.au, 5421 9680) for more information about this application. You may also wish to contact Macedon Ranges Councillors and express your concern about the violation of such a significant landscape. Click here for Councillor contact details.