Telstra tower on hold

A PLANNED Telstra mobile phone tower on Fraser Rd at Dunoon has been put on hold after Lismore City Council voted to examine alternative options.

A PLANNED Telstra mobile phone tower on Fraser Rd at Dunoon has been put on hold after Lismore City Council voted last night to examine alternative options and conduct further community consultation.

The proposed tower was to sit on behind a council reservoir at the summit of the Dorroughby Grasslands, one of the last intact grasslands in the Big Scrub region and a reserve for camping and recreation since 1878.

Dunoon resident Emma Stone said the cultural and environmental significance of the area made it inappropriate for a mobile tower as it would diminish the value of the grasslands. There were also in excess of 20 homes within 500m of the proposed site.

Ms Stone said Telstra's consultation process was inadequate, particularly with the local Aboriginal community. It is understood Ngulingah Local Aboriginal Land Council has also lodged a native title claim on the site.

Council voted 9-2 to delay approval of the lease of the land to Telstra for the tower, and will now consult with the Dunoon community about alternative sites and conduct culturally appropriate consultation with the Aboriginal community.