Lake Macquarie locals have been left outraged after the Super Radio Network erected a telecommunications tower in Belmont without seeking council approval.
Super Radio Network, who operates Newcastle Stations 2HD and NEWFM, erected the 25-metre monopole in the front yard of 14 Eagles Nest Close at Belmont North in September 2019.
Super Radio Network says the tower is “not anticipated to have any significant adverse impacts” on the nearby area.
But locals aren’t buying it – today, meeting with Lake Macquarie Councillor Adam Shultz.
More than a dozen concerned residents have already lodged objections to the pole.
Elected Lake Macquarie councillors say they will now go over a development application, submitted by the property owner and Super Radio Network in March, with a fine tooth comb to determine whether the pole stays.
NBN News Reporter Madison Scott will have more details in tonight’s news at 6pm.
Updated – 6pm
In a response to NBN News today, 2HD said it “has responded to a multitude of complaints over the years from listeners who experience poor reception of the main 1143AM frequency in the Eastern suburbs of Lake Macquarie by applying for a low powered in-fill translator to the ACMA.”
They also assured NBN News the “required radiation reports and tests have been undertaken and submitted to council.”
2HD stated “the facility is not transmitting and has no connection to Mount Sugarloaf facilities.”
However, Super Radio Network’s Statement of Environmental Effects says “the proposal aims to deliver important radio telecommunication services to the Belmont area and surrounds on a temporary basis for approximately two years until the upgraded network is constructed on Mount Sugarloaf.”
2HD also asserted “all relevant documents are before Lake Macquarie Council for consideration.”
“The 2HD relay facility at Belmont North is similar to television transmitters that NBN have at Mosbri Crescent, Highfields and Belmont North to fill black spots in the signal. However the television facilities transmit at a much higher frequency & power. All of which are surrounded by residential properties similar to 2HD Translator at Belmont,” said a 2HD spokesperson.
