By JONATHON HOWARD
NOOSA Avalon Cottages in Pomona boasts amazing mountain views and is an escape from the world’s hustle and bustle.
But Avalon owner Linda McHenry says her business is under threat from an imposing 30-metre monopole to be installed by NBN Co.
The monopole, which is designed to provide high-speed internet to the region, is proposed about 330 metres from 292 Pomona Kin Kin Rd, where Avalon operates several cabin retreats.
Despite Ms McHenry’s best efforts, she’s only been able to negotiate a decrease in the height of the pole to reduce the visual impact.
Ms McHenry said she was happy to live without internet connectivity and felt the monopole was a massive imposition.
“It’s going to ruin these spectacular views and make it difficult for me to offer my guests the best possible escape,” she said.
She said she often receives guests from China and Japan seeking a true country escape, with nine mountain views.
“The monopole will ruin the whole concept of escaping to the country to avoid things like monopoles,” she said.
Ms McHenry was calling on NBN Co to reconsider and select another site and she’s busy trying to convince Noosa councillors to back her.
A spokesperson for NBN Co said they had made all the compromises possible.
“We have agreed to reduce the pole’s height from 40 metres to 30, and we’ve also shifted the monopole site to be 330 metres from the Avalon business,” the spokesman said.
“But beyond that we are still planning to submit our development application with Noosa Council.”
Ms McHenry said it was not about lowering the tower, it was about moving the tower off the proposed property.
“To another site that will not directly impact on an important established local business and ruin our huge potential Chinese marketing of a perfect nine mountain views,” she said.
“Noosa Avalon Farm Cottages are not tin-pot sheds, they are historical, and very beautifully designed for the environment.
“Amenity and perfect views – that is what our business relies upon, and that is under threat and there are obviously alternatives.”
Have your say: Should NBN Co monopoles be allowed to be built in sensitive locations? Email your thoughts to: newsdesk@noosatoday.net.au
