Concern proposed Fraser phone tower is in path of choppers

FEARS have been raised a proposed 60m Optus telecommunications tower at Fraser Island could interfere with helicopter rescues.

A Fraser Island resort operator is concerned a proposed mobile phone tower will be directly in the flight path of rescue helicopters approaching the helipad at the ambulance base. Picture: Alistair Brightman

FEARS have been raised a proposed 60m Optus telecommunications tower at Fraser Island could interfere with helicopter rescues.

The planned tower would be about 80m west of the ambulance station and to the west of Happy Valley.

Russell Postle, who operates Fraser Island Retreat at Happy Valley, said he feared the wrong location had been chosen.

"The biggest concern is that where it is proposed to sit is directly in the flight path of the helicopters approaching the helipad at the ambulance base," Mr Postle said.

"Happy Valley hosts the only permanently staffed ambulance base on the island.

"When there's a south-easterly blowing, which is the predominate wind, choppers traditionally approach the helipad from the west and this tower will be right next to that flight path."

Mr Postle said he was also concerned the tower was too close to houses in the Happy Valley area.

The tower would offer Optus coverage in an area that is already covered by Telstra, while other parts of the island do not have mobile reception.

An Optus spokesperson said the site was chosen to provide customers of the telecommunications provider with the best possible service.

"That site is picked for the optimum network coverage experience. We would look at alternative sites if we had to but in that area options are pretty limited given the terrain," the spokeswoman said.

She said despite the fact a Telstra tower already provided coverage in Happy Valley, Optus aimed to offer residents and visitors an alternative option.