By Tyler Wright
A new proposal for a telecommunications tower in the Dandenong Ranges has been submitted to Yarra Ranges Council after another plan was withdrawn.
In May 2023, Downer EDI submitted a planning permit application to build a large telecommunications tower to Yarra Ranges Council to service a Melbourne Water site.
Following reports of community concerns, the application was withdrawn.
On 11 July, Indara Infrastructure Pty Ltd lodged an application for development approval for mobile telecommunications facility at 1 Ridge Road; including another 40-metre high monopole; raising more eyebrows in the community.
According to plans, the proposed facility will host Optus and Vodafone telecommunications equipment and provide Optus and Vodafone 3G, 4G and 5G services to the Kallista area.
It also sets out intent to remove 25 trees at the site and build and establish car parking between the compound and Grantulla Road.
Peter Learmont, who lives at Ridge Road and is currently building a property on Kallista-Emerald Road, raised concerns over the proposed build of yet another telecommunications structure being planned for the area.
“That’s a challenge; we want the technology, but very much like Melbourne Water, what are the alternatives? And if there’s an alternative to the towers, where do they go?” Mr Learmont said.
“I wonder what consideration has been given to those houses on William Road, Grantulla Road, and even the house across the road from 1 Ridge Road.”
Mr Learmont also said a lot of people drive along Grantulla Road and William Road, which intersects with Ridge Road – including tourists and those who commute from one part of the Dandenong Ranges to another.
“It’s going to be hard not to miss, particularly with the proposed trees to be cleared, the tower, the building and the fence,” he said.
“What’s the impact going to be to the land values of the residences?
“I wouldn’t want to buy any house with a telecommunications tower in the front yard, the back yard or close by.”
In response to the Star Mail’s request for comment, an Indara spokesperson said the company is working with Optus and Vodafone to “improve mobile connectivity” in the Kallista and Menzies Creek area.
“We are proposing a new telecommunications facility at 1 Ridge Road, Kallista,” the spokesperson said.
“Our project is intended to replace an existing facility that currently services the area that is being decommissioned shortly. If this site is not replaced, there may be limited Optus and Vodafone mobile coverage in the local area.”
Digital connectivity is a “critical service” for all Australian communities, the spokesperson said.
“Our proposal at 1 Ridge Road aims to ensure the residents of Kallista and Menzies Creek have continued access to reliable, high quality mobile services, especially during emergencies and natural disasters,” they said.
“In deploying new telecommunications facilities, we ensure our infrastructure is fully compliant with strict safety standards mandated by the Australian federal government. This includes EME compliance set out by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA). We collaborate closely with local councils to address any community concerns and minimise disruption to the local residents.
“A development application for the proposed facility is currently with Yarra Ranges Council.”
A Downer spokesperson told the Star Mail Telstra and Melbourne Water a re-assessing the project requirements after receiving community feedback.
“The application has been withdrawn while this review is being completed.”
