A 30-METRE-high tower planned for Windermere as part of Ballarat’s National Broadband Network will pose a health risk and lower house values, residents say. NBN Co Limited hopes to build the tower at Lot 2, Remembrance Drive, Windermere, off Madden Road.
If approved, the tower will be the Ballarat region’s NBN transmission hub.
Yesterday, about 14 residents gathered at a meeting to discuss their concerns regarding the proposed tower which will include a 30-metre pole, a parabolic dish antenna, three panel antennas and an equipment shelter at ground level, plus protective fencing.
Judy Tierney and Ray Douglas, whose house is 30 metres from the proposed site, said they were shocked to learn the location of the tower.
“It is just opposite our house,” Ms Tierney said. “There is definitely a lack of information.”
“I am concerned about the ... emission,” Ms Tierney said. “I am concerned about the loss of value to my house. I would like to know if they would compensate us and if so for how long.”
Resident Glenn and Debra Honeyman said they feared the emissions from the tower would affect their 11 year old business of industrial electronic repairs.
Mr Honeyman said they had chosen the site carefully to ensure he was far away from any transmitters.
“With the tower being only 150 metres away it would directly impact upon my business,” Mr Honeyman said.
In October, Ballarat was announced as one of 28 sites to receive NBN in the next 12 months.
A planning application was recently lodged with Ballarat City Council by NBN Co Limited, the federal government company established to design, build and operate NBN across Australia.
If approved by council, it will be built on a 21-hectare site and is expected to cost about $180,000.
Earlier, Ballarat City councillor John Philips had told The Courier the site was fairly isolated and he hadn’t received any complaints from nearby residents.
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