MORNINGTON residents have raised concerns over the location of a proposed telecommunications tower.
The proposed tower is funded by the state government as part of its Connecting Victoria Mobile Program, which exempts it from VCAT review rights and public notice.
The suggested location for the 900 MHz tower is 900 Moorooduc Hwy, Mornington, as coverage for Optus has been identified as deficient in the area.
Tim Hannaford, who lives on a neighbouring property, noticed surveyors at the property on 17 September.
Hannaford said he contacted the owner of the property, who said he believed it was a good spot for the tower and that he would be receiving $5000 yearly for use of the land.
“I find it incredible because we’re being approached by developers… if you put this up, it’s virtually ruining the potential of his land and ours and the Harpers’,” said Hannaford.
Hannaford said it was “outrageous” the application has been allowed to proceed without any public notice or review rights.
Natalie Harper, who lives on a nearby property, said her concern is not with improved telecommunications coverage.
“It is with the necessity, suitability and site-selection process for this particular location, particularly when established infrastructure and potential co-location alternatives exist nearby,” said Harper.
Harper said her and her family have many reservations regarding the proposed location.
“There’s the proximity of residents, the Green Wedge character, the Balcombe Creek Wildlife Corridor, the waterways, which are only a few hundred metres away, there’s significant endangered birdlife, the visual amenity, and the broader environmental impacts,” said Harper.
“We’re concerned about the 5G, you know, for personal health… and then in the future for generations to come; the future land use and development opportunities.”
Harper contacted the shire and requested an explanation as to why the application is exempt from notice and review under Clause 52.19-3 of the shire’s planning scheme.
Despite the proposed location being on sensitive landscape, the shire informed Harper the application is exempt from public notice and review rights as it is state funded.
The shire advised Harper it would look into the proposed alternative locations for the tower and reasons for rejection.
Harper reviewed the planning report and said there were “several material inconsistencies, potentially inaccurate representations and deficiencies” in the document.
The report concludes the 30-metre tower will have “no materially adverse impacts on the character and appearance of the area”, will not impact agricultural production, and will not prevent ongoing efforts to protect and enhance biodiversity.
A small amount of vegetation will be affected by the proposed development.
Harper said the report does not show a “sufficiently detailed ecological assessment has been undertaken to substantiate these conclusions”.
“These are substantive planning and evidentiary matters, not simply differences of opinion regarding the proposed development,” said Harper.
“They warrant proper investigation, verification, and a reasoned response before any determination is made.”
Harper has requested the shire defer determination of the application, require the applicant to provide appropriate ecological evidence, properly consider the impacts on adjoining land, and confirm the statutory basis and evidence for the exemption.
Harper said she reached out to Mornington MP Chris Crewther, who confirmed to The News multiple affected residents had contacted him.
“I have referred the matter to both state Labor government Ministers Kilkenny and Erdogan, and the shire, for their review,” said Crewther.
Director of Planning and Liveability at the shire, Andrew Pomeroy, said they are currently assessing the planning application.
“The proposal is for the 4G and 5G Optus network and is proposed in an area where coverage has been identified as being deficient,” said Pomeroy.
“Council has requested more information regarding the suitability of the location and is currently awaiting the applicant’s response on these matters.”
First published in the Mornington News – 20 October 2026
