MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire has approved plans for a new telecommunications facility in Fingal aimed at improving 4G and 5G coverage.
The proposal is funded by Telstra and the Victorian government through the Connecting Victoria program. At the 12 May council meeting, the proposal was endorsed in an 8-1 vote.
The approved development includes a monopole which will reach a maximum height of 26.3m, security fencing of 2.4m with a double access gate area, and approximately 200m of underground power and fibre routes.
Cr Cam Williams, who moved the motion, said the development would provide a much-needed telecommunications upgrade for the area.
“The proposed development on the site provides essential telecommunications and 4G and 5G infrastructure in the Fingal and St Andrews Beach area,” said Williams.
He noted the proposed monopole height was below the maximum usually permitted for similar infrastructure and said the underground works would require minimal excavation.
“To improve the telecommunications and internet in that area, especially during summer when it is potentially a fire risk area, I think would be a very good idea,” said Williams.
Cr Bruce Ranken, who seconded the proposal, said it provides essential telecommunications for the area and has been “assessed as acceptable under the relevant planning controls”.
“Refusal of this could also expose council to VCAT review and associated planning and legal costs,” said Ranken.
Cr David Gill was the sole councillor to oppose the motion. He said the current planning framework gives residents limited opportunity to challenge or influence telecommunications tower locations.
“I’m not opposed to tele poles, they are needed to improve our mobile reception,” said Gill.
He said previous planning processes allowed council, applicants, and residents to sit down and discuss the best site.
“Sometimes that was simply a matter of talking through why they chose a particular site, with officers leading the discussion to see if on the site we could cater for amenity, environmental, and reception issues,” said Gill. “That got better outcomes.”
He said recent changes to regulations have removed third-party appeal rights and advertising.
“This one has occurred with no advertising and no appeal rights,” said Gill.
“Something sounds wrong, doesn’t it?”
“These poles basically come down to whoever will take one on their land. That’s the bottom line.”
Despite Gill’s opposition, councillors voted in favour of the permit.
The decision comes after councillors previously rejected a proposed Vodaphone tower after deciding it would adversely impact the area’s amenity (Councillors knock back Fingal phone tower, The News 24/12/25).
Under the permit conditions, the facility must operate in accordance with endorsed plans, minimise amenity impacts during construction, and be removed if it becomes redundant. The permit will expire if the development isn’t started within three years and finished within five.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 3 June 2026
