On July 27, 2013 Oberon Council received a development application from CommPlan Pty Ltd on behalf of the National Broadband Network (NBN) for a transmitter mast to be installed at Titania Estate.

The DA for construction of the proposed transmitter mast was referred to council for determination. 

During the assessment process 38 properties were notified of the proposed development and a total of 13 submissions were received.

A summary of the submissions was provided to the applicant for information and comment.

CommPlan responded to the summary of submissions, which included investigation of three potential alternative locations.

This investigation subsequently concluded that the 15 Harris Road site was the preferred location for the transmitter mast as it would provide the best service outcomes for the Oberon East area.

During a presentation to council by Mark Byrnes from CommPlan, members of the public gallery questioned him, and Mayor John McMahon had to call the meeting to order a couple of times and told the gallery that they would have their chance to ask questions after the presentation. 

Mr Byrnes said 15 Harris Road was the most suitable site and meets all NBN’s requirements and that the mast will service properties into the future. 

Cr Kerry Gibbons asked Mr Byrnes why the tower could not be moved further east. His response was that 100 properties were NBN’s main target and the Edith area would come into phase two of the roll-out and that at this stage there were not enough properties in the area.

Cr Clive McCarthy asked why the quarry zone was not considered, saying he thought it was because of the installation costs.

Cr McCarthy said residents of Titania do not want the tower for aesthetic reasons as well as the devaluation of properties impacted by the tower.

Titania Estate resident Mick May, a qualified engineer, ask why there was no consultation with residents. 

“The tower will be an eyesore and it also overshadows four houses,” he said. “The other proposed sites could have had a higher tower in place but I know this would have been too much effort, too expensive and too hard.

“The 42 metre tower will service about 100 people. There are more appropriate areas and  I suggest you bring in a communication engineer.”

Fairview Drive resident Peter White said he understood the concerns in regards to property values but said he saw the potential benefits of the tower.

Rob Lane lives 300 metres from the proposed tower and said he was furious that council had not informed him.

“I have had no paper work and I have had no invitation to any meetings.”

Mr Lane’s wife, Chris, asked councillors if they would have the mast in their backyards and suggested council was treating the residents like fools.

According to council the transmitter mast is permissible with consent in the 1(c) zone and is consistent with the aims and objectives of the zone.

Council’s recommendation that the DA be approved in accordance with conditions was moved by Cr Morgan and seconded by Cr Sajowitz.

The motion was carried six votes to three with councillors Lord, McCarthy and Gibbons voting against the recommendation.