– CLAREMONT PHONE TOWER SAGA CONTINUES
The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, joins Glenorchy City Council Alderman Kristie Johnston and members of the Claremont community to call for the Glenorchy City Council to adhere to proper process as it progresses the latest controversial Claremont phone tower proposal.
Many in the Claremont community are increasingly infuriated and exasperated with Glenorchy City Council. Last year the Council decided to not defend its decision to disallow a 35 metre phone tower on the historic Cadbury’s Sports Grounds after the decision was overturned by the Planning Appeals Tribunal. And as though that wasn’t enough, the Council plans to progress a new phone tower proposal without the consultation process required by planning regulations.
Mr Wilkie said the new proposal was in a completely different location and should be regarded as an entirely new proposal.
“If the Council wants to put forward a new proposal, in a new location, then they should go through the proper consultation process,” Mr Wilkie said.
“This proposed development will have a completely different impact on the community including the Cadbury’s Sports Ground than the previously rejected proposal.
“The Council should follow proper process, look at the facts afresh and offer the community a real chance to be consulted.”
“’Otherwise the Council’s showing a disappointing disregard for the community and apparently more interest in the revenue it’ll earn from leasing the site to the telco than in the legitimate concerns of the residents of Claremont Village.
“This saga is more evidence of the need for the sort of legislation I tried to progress in the Federal Parliament which would have levelled the playing field and given communities the same rights as the telcos.”
Andrew Wilkie MP, Independent Member of Denison
