Community have say on tower: Optus | Fraser Coast News | Local News in Fraser Coast

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OPTUS says it consults the council and the community when finding a site for a mobile phone tower but Dundowran residents say they have been left in the dark about a proposed 3G tower close to homes.

About 40 people met with Mayor Mick Kruger and councillors at a house at the suburb on Sunday, claiming they only found out about the tower last week.

But an Optus spokesperson yesterday said the company had put notification signs on all three public facing boundaries of the site - Karraschs, Craignish and Carls roads.

It also advertised in the Chronicle on April 15 and mailed notices to adjoining property owners.

“During our search for suitable mobile sites we work hard to strike a balance between customer demand for improved mobile coverage in the area and the preferences of individual residents,” the spokesperson said.

Residents said there was no need for the network with coverage already good.

Optus did not comment on concerns regarding property devaluation and the potential obstruction of residents' views.

It also did not respond to claims the proposal used five-year-old maps and photographs or comment on the option of building the tower near existing Telstra towers.

Optus said it welcomed feedback from residents with consultation open until May 8.