WWCC Mayor Dallas Tout led the push to throw out a DA for a new telecommunications tower in San Isidore. Photo: WWCC Livestream.
Wagga Wagga City Council has voted against the development of a telecommunications facility in San Isidore due to concerns around PFAS and flood risks.
Plans for a mobile telecommunications facility, including a monopole and compound at 20 Kapooka Road, San Isidore, were presented to Wagga Wagga City Council (WWCC) at a recent meeting but were thrown out after a preliminary site investigation (PSI) determined that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) might be present on the site.
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in consumer products around the world since about the 1950s. Studies have found that PFAS can cause damage to the liver and the immune system.
The proposed cell tower site is also deemed a potential flood risk by council.
The original motion would have seen councillors visit the San Isidore site before determining whether the development should go ahead.
The decision to ultimately deny the application came following an amendment from councillor Georgie Davies, that said the environmental impacts of the site – mainly how stormwater diverted away from the site could potentially expose surrounding areas to PFAS – are too great a risk.
Six of the eight councillors present voted in favour of the new amendment, which eventually saw the application thrown out. Councillors Amelia Parkins and Jenny McKinnon backed the development, arguing it abided by all regulations.
The applicant, Waveconn Operations Pty Ltd, isn’t registered as a telecommunications or carrier provider, but is an infrastructure company that partners with carriers such as Optus to build their towers.
A diagram of the planned telecommunications facility. Photo: WWCC.
Waveconn planning manager Chris Hayes said the plans for the development were adequate in dealing with any potential flooding and the tower would not cause any risk to surrounding areas.
“We’re currently working with the major mobile carriers to improve services and connectivity to the areas that currently have insufficient coverage,” he said.
“The closest facility that is providing service to this area is actually around three kilometres away.
“We understand there are some concerns about flooding. All the electrical equipment that will be installed will be done on slightly raised piers, and the pole itself has been confirmed as suitable for this area and the flooding that could be associated with it.”
WWCC Mayor Dallas Tout spoke against the development.
“We still haven’t worked out where exactly the PFAS in San Isidore comes from,” he said.
“My concern is that flooding and floodwaters, if they are forced to change direction due to this site, will carry PFAS to other areas. The San Isidore community have already had their lifestyles impacted with things like not being able to eat their own grown produce.
“Even by having a site visit by councillors, it won’t change how floodwater is diverted.”
Any future developments of the site will now need a new application.
