Residents' rage at Optus tower | Fraser Coast News | Local News in Fraser Coast

Mayor Mick Kruger (right) faces Dundowran residents angry about the possibility of an Optus mobile phone tower planned for their neighbourhood.

DUNDOWRAN residents are furious about an Optus tower proposed for their back yard - and about which they found out a week ago.

A group of about 40 people gathered at a house in the suburb on Sunday, demanding answers from Fraser Coast councillors.

Mayor Mick Kruger listened to residents' concerns, accompanied by councillors Belinda McNeven, Sue Brooks and Gerard O'Connell.

There was a range of issues presented, including beliefs that views from homes would be ruined.

Shaun Long, 42, moved to Dundowran last December because of the view of the countryside.

“We weren't expecting anything like this to happen.”

In its proposal lodged with the council in early February, Optus said most houses were facing north, east or west, when, residents said, they actually faced south.

Peter Tannock claimed Optus had misled residents by saying the tower would be based near Karraschs Road in Craignish when in fact it was closer to Carls Road in Dundowran.

Mark Clancy agreed: “I couldn't think of a worse place for Optus to put it.”

Residents also queried why the tower could not be built 3.2km down the road near existing radio towers or next to Telstra towers 8.2km away in Toogoom.

Residents said internet and phone reception in the area were good and that they did not understand why a tower was needed.

Ms McNeven said she had only learned of the tower when she was emailed by resident Tamara Hanson last Wednesday.

She promised to call a meeting of councillors and to inform residents of the results.

Written submissions about the tower needed to be made to the council by May 8.

Mr Kruger said the council would make the final decision on the tower.