Koolewong mobile tower approved by Local Planning Panel to boost WiFi for Central Coast commuters
A decision has been made on the controversial mobile tower DA in Koolewong, aimed at improving Wi-Fi for commuters. Meanwhile a $5.8m DA for a shop and 15 apartments has been put on ice.
Central Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Central Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Halekulani: Female officer left bloodied after shocking alleged assault
- Gosford Regional Library plans move forward with library and community space
A proposed mobile tower in Koolewong, which has attracted local objections, has been given the green light.
The Central Coast Local Planning Panel has approved the tower proposed along the rail corridor on Brisbane Water Dr.
The Telstra tower is part of the Federal Government’s promise to improve Wi-Fi for train commuters between Sydney and Newcastle, in particular in the black out spots such as Wondabyne.
However many residents of Koolewong objected, saying the 25m pole was out of character and phone reception was fine in Koolewong so the tower was not needed.
A petition with more than 300 signatures was submitted to the panel.
Helen Orchard, from the Koolewong, Point Clare, Tascott Progress Association told the panel the $250,000 tower should be in the nearby national park and said local views over Brisbane Water would be obstructed.
The Panel approved the mobile tower with conditions such as the tower be painted eucalyptus green to “minimise the visual impact”. They concluded the tower was in the public interest.
Meanwhile a proposal for construction of a shop and 15 apartments at 34-36 Brisbane Water Dr in Koolewong has been deferred by the panel.
The $5.8m development also attracted local objections with Mrs Orchard outlining concerns such as the size and scale of the proposed shop and residential flat building, traffic issues and overshadowing on neighbours.
The development exceeded floor space ratio and height limits for the area, however the applicant DFK Holdings stated it was appropriate for the site which has a business zoning.
The panel decided to defer the DA, asking the applicant to look at parking as well as alternatives for the northern driveway and garbage collection.
They have been given 14 days to address the issues.