City approves Yallingup NBN tower

A divisive 45m-high NBN tower is slated to be built in Yallingup after Busselton City Council approved its development application on Wednesday night.

The debate was prompted by an alternative recommendation by Councillor Rob Bennett, urging councillors to reject the application so different locations on the property could be considered.

Cr Bennett reiterated several times he was not against the tower, instead believing it to be “essential”, but said there were less obtrusive spots for it to be built.

The tower will be constructed at Lot 470 Caves Road, which is privately owned, zoned rural residential and located in a landscape value area.

Concerns raised during the initial consultation period prompted the applicant to move the tower 100m south-west of the original location. However, several residents requested it be shifted a further 200m.

Yallingup resident Rod Taylor told theTimes the tower was 186m from his property and 900m from the landowner’s dwelling.

“We just wanted it shifted another 200m, then it would be built and we’d all be a bit happier,” he said.

“We, as a community, need to share in the upsides and the downsides.”

After the 21-day consultation period, the City received 90 submissions opposed to the development and 47 in support.

Key concerns raised by those opposed included the tower’s impact on the area’s visual amenity, the devaluation of property and the unknown health effects of electro-magnetic radiation.

Supporters listed poor internet and mobile phone services as a critical issue, particularly during emergencies.

Councillor Ross Paine argued against Cr Bennett’s recommendation, citing concerns about the process going “back to square one”.

He pointed out a decision in favour of the alternative recommendation would be considered a “deemed refusal” as 90 days had lapsed since the application was lodged.

Mayor Grant Henley built on Cr Paine’s argument and said applicants would then have the right to commence review proceedings in the State Administrative Tribunal, taking the decision “out of the City’s hands”.

Cr Bennett said council should have made a decision “much earlier” and the property owner should have done more to alleviate concerns of surrounding property owners.

Councillors Bennett, John McCallum and Coralie Tarbotton voted in favour of the alternative recommendation. However, the motion was lost.

Mr Taylor told theTimes the outcome as “very disappointing”, but said opposed residents were now exploring alternative options.

The tower will be the ninth built within the City of Busselton.