By Denise Deason
THE proposed mobile-phone antenna installation at Galvin Park, Shaws Rd, Werribee, was deferred by the Wyndham City Council last week.
The council had before it a recommendation that it authorise Abigroup Telecommunications, acting as consultants for Optus, Vodaphone and Nokia, to begin the planning process to install an antenna and equipment shelter on the land contained within Galvin Park Reserve to enhance the coverage of the third-generation (3G) network.
Cr Bob Fairclough acknowledged it was “a pretty contentious issue”, but, after a lot of thought, had decided to support the recommendation.
“I understand the concern of residents about health-and-safety issues,” he said.
“However, the emissions from the tower will be below accepted levels and will not have any adverse effects.”
Crs Kim McAliney, Leigh Barrett and Henry Barlow all opposed the recommendation, citing the site as being the problem, rather than the emission levels, which are below the highest acceptable world standard.
“We, as council, have a responsibility as custodian of the property on behalf of the residents,” Cr Barrett said.
Cr Barlow said: “It’s my gut feeling to vote against the recommendation so the proponent can come back with a separate proposal.”
Following emails of other options received on the day of the council meeting, Crs Barlow and Barrett moved that the matter be deferred for further investigation.
This motion was carried.
Some of the other sites for the antenna that have already been rejected are McGraths Rd in the market garden area, Werribee Village Shopping Centre on the corner of Shaws and Tarneit roads, and the corner of Heaths Rd and Niagra Way, Werribee.
Abigroup has indicated to the council, on behalf of its clients, that an area within the municipality, which has high-density development, does not have the highest level of telecommunication service now available.
It said this standard cannot be obtained unless the telecommunication antenna is provided in the locality.
The 3G network can allow access to a broadband service, which is not available in many parts of the municipality.
