Why does Telstra have the audacity to propose a 31-metre high phone tower on the scenic, bush-clad hilltop above Apex Lookout?
Other phone companies have transmitters that are lower or on the town’s edges. Some are on existing structures, not new towers.
Alternatives include increased sharing of towers with other telcos or a new tower somewhere else that is not bush land or right next to existing houses.
The tower proposed just south of the reservoir would be two to three times higher than the trees, spoiling views of and from the Lookout.
Clearing for access and laying of underground power and optic fibres would have cumulative effects on the woodland in Drummond Park.
We are fortunate that the Apex Club members, who planned, raised funds for and developed Drummond Park in the 1960s kept most of the woodland on the hilltop. Council later cleared some for a water reservoir, almost isolating a remnant of Box Gum woodland near Jessie Street from woodland west of the reservoir. The remaining corridor was revegetated but is now proposed to be cut.
Council’s plan of management for Drummond Park has several objectives including “protect the scenic and heritage qualities of Drummond Park”, yet our previous Council agreed to consider this development application.
Please tell the new Council you don’t want North Hill spoilt by a phone tower. Submissions close on October 24.
Kate Boyd,
Armidale
