Council defers decision on NBN tower location

Quindalup resident Trent Eaves says he could not be happier after a council decision to defer the construction of a National Broadband Network tower in his street, to find a better location.

The decision was deferred by City of Busselton councillors recently after an initial recommendation by officers which stated the proposal in its current location was "inconsistent" with relevant planning framework. The City will now meet with the proponent to consider alternative locations before the presentation of a further report to the council setting out the results of that consideration.

The 40m tall fixed-wireless telecommunications tower was proposed for Lot 201 on Balmoral Drive, the same property which the Yallingup Woodfired Bakery sits on, in the area classified as rural residential.

Mr Eaves said the proposal by NBN would have put a "monstrosity" of a tower only 75m from his carport.

"Because it was directly affecting our estate, people didn't want it," he said.

"Everyone's here for the same reasons, to live in a rural residential area. We don't want to be burdened with a big piece of electrical equipment."

A total of 51 submissions were received on the application, including 46 objections to the tower.

The concerns of those who were against the tower included the impact on amenity and lifestyle, perceived and potential health impact as well as property devaluation.

Mr Eaves said he hoped the council made the right decision in the end, which satisfied everybody.

A spokesman for NBN Co said "all parties" were working closely together to try to move the facility on the same property to achieve the best possible siting.