When Renae Kemp imagined her new home with its views of pastoral land and mountains, a 50 metre concrete telecommunications tower wasn’t part of the picture.
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Now that has all changed.
Since the Kemps bought their block Telstra has sought Bathurst Regional Council permission to submit a development application to build the tower.
So far, though, no DA has been lodged – and residents hope it never is.
Ms Kemp said her gripe was that when she purchased the block she paid a premium for uninterrupted rural views with no knowledge of the proposal to build the tower.
“Now I learn we are going to have a big cement tower right in front of us,” she said. “We have a beautiful block of land and hope to build in the next 12 months.
“I think council needs to take into account that we live in Bathurst because it has an idyllic rural outlook.
“I know it’s only a proposal at this stage but I have spoken to others in the area and we are all concerned.”
The tower is proposed for Pryce Parade in Abercrombie Estate.
Ms Kemp said she is concerned by how close the tower will be to a residential area if it goes ahead.
Another resident who would be affected by the telecommunications tower if it passes through council is Julia Roohan.
She said in September last year Telstra sent out a pack detailing its proposal for a tower near O’Keefe Park.
“We were so disappointed,” she said.
“We had only just moved in and had chosen the area for its rural outlook and river view.
“To find out some big industrial thing is going to be planted on your doorstep is very disappointing. No-one wants to live near one of those things.”
Then last month she received a second information pack which showed the location for the proposed tower had been moved to a spot 150m closer to the houses.
“I’m puzzled by that. I don’t know what they’re thinking,” said.
“Obviously I’m even more disappointed.
“The beauty of the place will be ruined.”
Ms Roohan said while the jury is out on whether telco towers put health at risk, she doesn’t want her family to be guinea pigs.
She realises people want good mobile phone coverage but believes towers can be built in areas where they are not so close to people. She plans to start a petition over the weekend and distribute it around the neighbourhood.
Bathurst mayor Greg Westman said council is aware of plans by Telstra to build a tower in the park as a result of earlier talks with the telecommunications giant about upgrades to their network.
He said once council receives a DA they will consult with the community. At this time residents will be able to make submissions to council.
Cr Westman said there is a number of criteria that Telstra must meet before approval is given, however, if they are met there is little council can do, even if it objects.
“Unfortunately council’s hands are tied,” Cr Westman said.