Controversial Kenwick telecommunication tower approved by City of Gosnells council

THE City of Gosnells has approved a controversial telecommunications tower on Victoria Road in Kenwick.

A 40m monopole with three 2.6m long antennas will be constructed on the northernmost corner of the subject site.

Council supported the application as they argued the proposal satisfied the provisions of state and local planning policies for telecommunications infrastructure.

They also said the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency found there was no evidence of radiofrequency emissions associated with living near the tower posing a health risk.

The City also argued the subject site represented the most suitable location for existing coverage deficiency and future demand for services.

During the two-week consultation period, the City received four objections to the proposal from nearby residents.

Their concerns regarded the tower’s proximity to existing telecommunications infrastructure, the visual impact, public health, demand for telecommunications infrastructure, site suitability and property values.

At the last council meeting, resident Sandra Baraiolo asked why the tower was recommended for approval, when it was classified as an ‘A’ use, which was not permitted in a general rural zone under the town planning scheme.

Director of planning and development Chris Terelinck told her the ‘A’ use was a use which was not permitted, unless council undertook consultation with the community.

Council voted 6-1 to approve the project, on the condition screening vegetation must be planted to reduce the visual impact of the tower.

Councillor Olwen Searle was the only councillor to vote against the application.