Eden: Proposed $650k telecommunications tower to ease community concerns

A solution has emerged following a NSW south coast community’s concerns at the impending demolition of a telecommunications reception tower. Here’s the plan.

Render of the proposed telecommunications tower.

The impending decommission of a telecommunications tower located in a NSW south coast border town has concerned residents, who say they already struggle with reception.

However a mega telephone corporation has proposed a new tower in an attempt to avoid this issue.

The concerns from Eden residents arose when, in May 2021, Aurecon and Telstra were advised that an application to demolish the Eden’s Fishman’s Recreation Club was submitted to Bega Valley Council to make way for a new, five-storey residential development, the “Sapphire of Eden”.

The erection of the mega $100m development would result in the existing telecommunications facility located on the rooftop of the Fisherman’s Club decommissioned prior to the club’s demolition.

With the regional border town of 3300 already struggling in locations with mobile phone reception, members of the community said the demolition of one of the few towers in their coastal hamlet was an “awful idea”.

“Yeah, let’s make the reception even worse in this town so that we can build a high rise,” resident Mark Johnstone said on social media.

Artist's impressions of the proposed $100 million Sapphire of Eden.

Location of the proposed telecommunications tower.

Others agreed, noting it would be hard for people moving into the area to find they cannot make phone calls.

“Just wait until the people move into this new building find they have no reception,” resident Jade Williams also posted online.

However, Aurecon and Telstra have addressed the concerns by submitting an application to Bega Valley Council to construct a $650k telecommunications tower at 213 Imlay St, Eden – the neighbouring lot of the upcoming high rise and location of the old tower.

Plans – currently on public exhibition – showcase the construction of the 25.4m tower, equipment shelter and security fence with a double gate.

A spokesman for Aurecon and Telstra said the proposed tower would provide Eden residents with 5g reception around the town.

Plans for the proposed telecommunications tower.

“The intention of the proposed replacement facility is to maintain and increase 5G coverage and data capacity to Eden,” he said.

“Continuity of coverage is essential to ensure residents, businesses and visitors in the area are not left with limited service once the existing facility is decommissioned.”

A construction start date for the tower will be confirmed once Bega Valley Council approve the plans. The development application will remain on public exhibition until March 29.

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Originally published as Eden: Proposed $650k telecommunications tower to ease community concerns