30m tower would help boost mobile reception at Armstrong Creek, proponent says

For years Armstrong Creek residents have shared horror stories about poor mobile reception in the suburb. Now a solution is on the cards.

A mobile phone tower would be built at 167-201 Lower Duneed Rd under a proposed plan.

A 30m high mobile phone tower would be erected at Armstrong Creek under a proposal put to Geelong council.

The tower, to be used by Optus, would be built at 167-201 Lower Duneed Rd if approved.

According to the planning application, the tower would significantly boost reception for those living off Warralily Blvd.

“Optus has identified issues with mobile service in the Armstrong Creek area and are seeking to improve local coverage and network capacity,” the planning application reads.

“The proposed facility will host Optus antennas and equipment, and will significantly improve Optus network services in Armstrong Creek and the surrounding area.

“Optus will own and operate the telecommunications equipment on the facility.

“This facility will also be made available to other mobile carriers and telecommunications providers.

167-201 Lower Duneed Rd, Armstrong Creek mobile phone tower site

“Five alternative sites were considered as part of the site selection process.”

The planning permit application was prepared and submitted by CPS Technology and

Infrastructure, on behalf of Indara, which is a owner and provider of shared wireless

telecommunications infrastructure.

In 2021, more than 400 people signed a petition calling for better mobile phone service at Armstrong Creek, the Warralily estate and Mt Duneed.

The planning application for the Lower Duneed Rd tower states it will provide Optus 4G and 5G to the public, businesses, emergency services and visitors within Armstrong Creek and

surrounding areas.

According to the planning documents, the Lower Duneed Rd site was chosen because it could meet coverage demands of future urban development; is not expected to have an adverse impact on the environment; and the landlord is willing to enter a commercial agreement.

The tower is planned to have 12 panel antennas.

167-201 Lower Duneed Rd, Armstrong Creek mobile phone tower site

The planning application reads: “An electromagnetic energy emissions (EME) assessment was conducted for the site to determine nearby exposure limits. The EME assessment found that the proposed site complies with the health standards for exposure to radio emissions as prescribed within the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency standards of maximum exposure levels in radiofrequency fields.”

“The proposed telecommunications base station and associated infrastructure is considered unlikely to have significant impact on the environment, the visual amenity of the area, culturally sensitive areas or on neighbouring properties.

“The delivery of this essential community infrastructure is in accordance with provisions made under the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.”

Public consultation on the proposal will be opened until March 10 and can be made via Geelong council’s website.

Originally published as 30m tower would help boost mobile reception at Armstrong Creek, proponent says