PLANS have been submitted for a 50m high communications tower at Dereel.The applicant, Optus, has applied to build tower with a 16m by 11m perimeter next to the Dereel Country Fire Authority and Dereel Soldiers' Memorial Hall and Community Centre in Swamp Rd.Golden Plains Shire chief executive officer Rod Nicholls said planning officers would assess the application before making a recommendation to the council. "Any tower needs to go through the planning process," he said.Last year the council formally adopted the Rokewood, Corindhap and Dereel Integrated Urban Design Framework.Most Dereel residents listed improved access to broadband and mobile coverage as a priority.The community agreed to "determine interest from telecommunication providers in establishing a mobile phone tower in the area" with council support.But, some residents expressed concern about the potential of radiation.Resident Wendy McClelland said she planned to submit a petition of more than 100 signatures to the council against the tower.An Optus spokesman said a consultation process would be held with the council and the community about the application, which would bring improved 3G mobile coverage and wireless broadband services to the town.Mr Nicholls said advertisements of the application would begin soon.