A 40-METRE telecommunications tower has been approved for a rural property on Limekilns Road, despite the concerns of nearby residents.
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NBN Co will build the monopole at 982 Limekilns Road, Yarras to carry three panel antennas to support its local fixed wireless broadband coverage.
Councillors voted 5-1 to approve to tower last Wednesday night, with only Councillor Bobby Bourke voting against the proposal.
Cr Bourke said he could not support the application at this stage as council was still waiting to receive support for the proposal from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
"Our airport is going to expand into the future and this tower stands 25 metres higher than current recommendations," Cr Bourke said.
"We've waited two years for word back from this authority and haven't got it.
"I can't support it at this stage just because they're a large multi-million dollar company. We have small land owners out there who are concerned and I'm speaking on their behalf."
But environmental planning and building services director David Shaw pointed out to councillors that the proposed tower was some distance from the airport [5.62km]and that it was a condition of approval that the tower comply with all CASA requirements.
"Just because it's higher than recommendations doesn't mean it can't go ahead," he said.
Earlier, Clear Creek resident Janine Grinter told councillors that her neighbours still had safety concerns about the tower, particularly in relation to increased traffic and access from Limekilns Road to the property on which the tower would be buit.
NBN Co consultant Mark Byrnes also addressed councillors, saying the Yarras tower was an important piece of the local fixed wireless network.
"This tower at Yarras is one of many in the Bathurst area and surrounding areas of Mudgee, Lithgow, Oberon, Blayney and Orange," Mr Byrnes said.
"We aim to have the facilities working together to best serve the community and this one at Yarras is one of the last to be completed."
Mr Byrnes said NBN Co acknowledged the concerns of residents, particularly in relation to the visual impact of a 40m monopole, but said he was confident they had selected the best possible site for this tower.
NBN Co will also build a 12m by eight metre equipment shelter on the property, which currently contains a dwelling, rural outbuildings and self-contained tourist accommodation.
