An emergency radio tower is proposed for Teales Lookout, Koonyum Range.
It is proposed by the telco authority via Catalyst One Pty Ltd, via Amalgamotion Pty Ltd to build a large tower, in a high fire danger area, on top of the ridgeline behind Mullumbimby, and ‘…it is anticipated that the proposal is unlikely to pose a risk to the environment’.
If we still don’t know what caused the fire in the Mullumbimby tower, what stops it happening again only [this time] in a high fire danger area?
The cheaper, already available new-school satellite phones or the old-school handheld radios were the uncontested winners last disaster – with the added benefit of no reported fire issues. The towers were like Stone Age tech in comparison, so how would another tower create safety?
Reportedly, this tower will be enormous and used for undisclosed commercial purposes as well, as is usual. We have until 4 November to ask Sean Jeffs, senior planner for Catalyst One Pty Ltd who is actually employed by Amalgamation Pty Ltd, questions via James McIver on 0423 187 012 or by email [email protected]
It’s always good to get in writing how Sean Jeffs defines safety for our community.
Further, Teales Lookout is in Mt Jerusalem National Park. Have NPWS agreed to this proposed “enormous tower” in one of their conservation reserves?
The escarpment skyline is also zoned scenic protection under the Byron Shire LEP prohibiting obscene constructions & developments that interfere with scenic amenity. It is hard to imagine how an “enormous tower” atop the lookout would be consistent with any zonings, even by sidestepping council approvals by presumptuously placing it in a national park!
I’m also curious as to the deadline date for objections /submissions – is it the 4th November as the correspondent stated in their letter of 26th November?