A satellite view of the location of the proposed phone tower.
Camera IconA satellite view of the location of the proposed phone tower. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Telcos propose phone tower in Ballajura

Kristie LimEastern Reporter

TWO telcos are proposing to build a phone tower in Ballajura to improve 4G coverage in the area.

Optus and Vodafone have proposed to install a 20.66m tall tower at 322 Alexander Drive, which is near The Market Place Ballajura IGA.

The first stage of the development involves swapping the existing signage with a new sign made from stronger pylon.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

The second stage is to install low-impact telecommunications equipment, including six panel antennas no taller than 2.8m and ancillary equipment such as shrouding, mounts, cables, cable trays, an access ladder, earthing, 18 combiners and 36 radio remote units.

A five-bay equipment cabinet has also been proposed.

An Optus spokeswoman said the new tower would provide improved 4G coverage in the northern area of Ballajura, Alexander Heights and surrounds,

“We have unfortunately had some of our communications to residents returned to sender and are currently in the process of renotifying those addresses,” she said.

“Optus will continue through the approval and consultation process for this site and we’re looking forward to working with local community and council on this proposal, and to being able to improve communication services in the area.”

The telcos appointed Nokia to run the community consultation program, which started on March 4.

City of Swan chief executive Mike Foley said Nokia advised the City that the new tower would be a “like-for-like” of the existing pylon signage tower.

“The information provided indicates that the replacement structure does not require planning approval under the City’s Local Planning Scheme No.17,” he said.

“Therefore the proposed antenna panels and attachment and ground level equipment shelter complies with the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 and so also does not require planning approval.”

Residents have until March 22 to comment on the development application.

For information, contact Adrian Dube on 0431 188 112 or, email adrian.dube.ext@nokia.com.

Send a submission to Nokia Solutions and Networks Australia Pty Ltd, Level 10, 111 Pacific Highway, North Sydney, New South Wales, 2060.

View the development application at www.rfnsa.com.au/6066002