THE proposal for a telecommunications tower on Pechey Road is a point of discussion for Mundaring residents who have concerns about the size and location of the structure, but also the need for better network coverage in the area.

At last week’s May 13 meeting, an officer’s report called on the council to consider the development raised by Telstra, who were represented by planning consultant Waveconn.

In the report Telstra justified its application and said the “facility has been proposed where it can be most effective at providing improved coverage and network performance whilst also having regard for existing facilities within the surrounding network.”

Jane Brook Community Association president Mathew Merson spoke in favour of the infrastructure to address the unreliable network service which affected the residents.

“Many residents are unable to make or receive calls, send text messages or access email reliably,” Mr Merson said.

“It’s not uncommon to see residents standing on their verges in Jane Brook holding their phones aloft hoping for a usable signal, hailing to the gods to try to get one or two bars so that they can make a phone call.”

Mr Merson said access to emergency service providers was be impacted due to the unreliable service.

“If you need emergency help, if you’re out and about in Jane Brook, whether that be the police, ambulance, emergency services or even a call home to your mum, there’s a good chance you’ll be on your own as you’ll struggle to find adequate mobile cover.”

Mr Merson said Midland MLA Steve Catania recently door knocked in Jane Brook and confirmed poor mobile coverage was a common issue among residents.

“When (Mr Catania) attempted a test mobile call to me from just 10m away from my house, the call failed,” Mr Merson said.

Mr Catania said he supported the expanded and enhanced mobile network coverage in Jane Brook.

Mr Catania said comprehensive planning as well as local and federal government approvals processes needed to be followed before a new infrastructure could be established.

“This robust process will ensure that new infrastructure is designed to serve its purpose effectively in a local context.”

Central ward councillor Doug Jeans raised a motion to not approve the application, based on the tower’s location.

With a creek running through the area, Cr Jeans said the proposed section on Pechey Road was the lowest part of the road.

“I had a look at the site and it’s definitely in a low area that possibly won’t service Jane Brook that well anyway,” Cr Jeans said.

Some residents expressed their concerns about the potential health risks associated with the tower.

West ward councillor Jo Cicchini said there was a lot of angst about the health and wellbeing of families who live close to the tower.

“Residents have also expressed the real prospect of wanting to move from their homes and relocate somewhere else if this tower goes through,” Cr Cicchini said.

“I understand that the environmental EME reports states that there is only minimal exposure to radiation, but this will be constant on nearby residents with the closest house being only 103m away.”

According to the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), “Given the very low levels recorded and the relatively low power of these types of transmitters, it is unlikely that the radiofrequency radiation from base stations would cause any adverse health effects, based on current medical research.”

Potential impacts to the natural environment were also raised at the meeting.

A shire officer visited the site and was satisfied the chosen location wouldn’t have a significant impact.

“No habitat trees or other vegetation of significance will be directly impacted,” the officer said.