MP powers into Optus tower battle | 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.

Optus “is certainly in the mood to co-operate” with Dundowran residents over a proposed telecommunications tower.

That is the word from Member for Hinkler Paul Neville.

He spoke to Optus corporate affairs staff in Canberra on Wednesday and says they recognised residents' concerns.

“I think they understand that there's a strong community sentiment (against the tower).”

Mr Neville and Member for Hervey Bay Ted Sorensen met with residents at Dundowran on May 8.

“I agree with residents ... (but) we have to be careful we don't have some residents in Dundowran and Craignish without good coverage,” Mr Neville said.

“We have to find a balance so we can keep Optus in the region.

“We need to look at other sites like near a water tower or a forestry area.”

Resident Col Jones said he was pleased with Mr Neville's response but has questioned the comments made by Optus.

“If they are in the mood to co-operate how come (residents) haven't heard from them yet?”

Last week's meeting was the second about the tower.

Fraser Coast mayor Mick Kruger and councillors Belinda McNeven, Sue Brooks and Gerard O'Connell met with residents on Sunday, April 26.

The tower will be 51.3m tall and has been proposed for a site near Carls Road.

Residents have rejected it because they believe it would obstruct views and that the community was not properly informed of the location.

They also say that internet and phone reception are already good and fear the tower will devalue properties.