Development application with Coffs council for new racetrack broadcast tower

The old Coffs racetrack broadcast tower is set to be replaced by a shiny new elevated structure – but developers say the increase in height say won’t impact on neighbours.

An artist impression from the southern aspect of the proposed new elevated broadcast tower.

A new broadcast tower could soon be up and running at the popular Coffs Harbour Racing Club.

The City of Coffs Harbour has received a development application (DA) calling for demolition of the existing tower and a new $700,999 elevated tower to replace it.

There are some height variations requested in the DA due to “the required geometry of the height of the photo finish camera relative to the distance from the finishing post”.

The proposed elevated racetrack broadcast tower lined up with the photo finish camera.

With the proposal exceeding the maximum height of 8.5 metres by 3.5m, it is a 38 per cent variation.

Developer Ross Colquhoun states in the DA nearby residences were elevated and the new tower should not impact them.

The eastern aspect of the proposed broadcast tower.

“The proposed tower will have a smaller impact than the existing tower,” he said.

The statement of environmental effects describes the existing tower as an “ageing“ facility “which is in poor condition and no longer fit for purpose”.

The proposed tower will not be accessible to the general public.