By JONATHON HOWARD
AVALON Farm Cottages owner Linda McHenry is facing an up-hill battle in the Planning and Environment Court to prevent the construction of a 31-metre monopole at Grahams Road, Pinbarren.
The monopole site, which is near Ms McHenry’s retreat, was approved by Noosa Council in August and the council will this week consider whether to defend its decision during the court proceedings.
The monopole is designed to connect and enhance the National Broadband Network’s wireless capabilities in the area and provide increased internet speeds to users.
Councillors are being asked to consider an agenda piece in the Planning and Organisation Committee Meeting to defend its decision and go against Ms McHenry’s appeal.
“While this appeal has been lodged by a submitter (Ms McHenry) and it is largely for the applicant to defend the appeal where they wish to proceed with the development, the council has a role in the appeal to defend council’s decision, provide information to the court and be a party to any proceedings should the applicant present amendments to the development plans,” the report before councillors reads.
Ms McHenry said she lodged the court appeal after she felt the monopole would “severely impact” the natural amenity of her eco retreats.
She has also expressed her dissatisfaction with the Noosa Council resolution to approve the monopole in August, despite conflicts with the Noosa planning scheme.
During council’s 28 August meeting, the council resolved to approve the application finding the following grounds were sufficient to justify the decision despite the conflict with the planning scheme: 1. The telecommunications facility will provide coverage for the NBN fixed wireless network, allowing for the delivery of higher speed data to households in the area; and 2. The proposal is screened by substantial vegetation buffers and does not adversely impact the existing visual qualities of the area.
Ms McHenry said she was “deeply saddened” by the council’s decision and current consideration.
“Where is the council we voted in to protect the Noosa planning scheme, the environment and the eco-friendly resorts,” she said.
Ms McHenry believes the monopole should not exceed 25 metres and was also inconsistent with the Mary River locality code.
She also feels the recommended location would “severely impact” the landscape and public views of Mt Pinbarren and Mt Cooroora – which contridicts the council’s ruling.
“Alternative sites have not been properly assessed by the planning staff at Noosa Council and limited information has been provided about real alternatives to both the council and community,” the council’s document read.
Ms McHenry had previously told Noosa Today that people who visited her retreat were attempting to escape the likes of monopoles and fast internet.
She now fears for her family business and worries about the future of her nine-mountain view retreat.
While Ms McHenry’s case is unique and each case is considered by the Planning and Environment Court, several attempts to have monopole constructions halted in towns outside Noosa have been overruled both with and without a council’s support.
Noosa Council will make a final vote on the agenda piece during the council’s ordinary meeting on Thursday 20 November.
