The location of the tower (which according to the development application is a single pole) currently before council is off Back Yamma Road, and has caused angst among some residents in the area.

Parkes Mayor Ken Keith is surprised at the concerns, commenting that the tower will be just like ‘a power pole’ which should not affect views, will be hardly noticeable, and there were no health issues.

But he said all concerns would be assessed (see later in this story).

Shire councillors have visited the spot proposed for the tower, and viewed a huge crane which was temporarily set up to provide an indication of the height and how a structure might impact on the skyline.

One of the residents, Scott Page moved into the area some 20 years ago and is unimpressed the tower will be located near to his home.

“They (NBN) actually approached me back in March 2012 to see if I would lease them part of the property for the tower to be erected,” he said. 

“They virtually asked me to sign then and there on the spot.

“I decided against it because of its intrusive presence in a very pleasant bush surrounds.

“They now have another site close nearby.

“I will walk out the door of our home and see this 40 metres high pole, which will be well above the tree line.

‘We moved out here 21 years ago to be close to town, yet still feel we are in the bush.

“Now we will see the pole right there everyday.”

Mr Page said a petition had been started opposing the location and other residents who lived nearby had also indicated their concern.

“We have also approached our local Members of Parliament and the Ombudsman.

‘It’s just not me, a lot of people are angry about it.

“It probably won’t make any difference, but we still wish to let council know how we feel.

“NBN actually arranged for the crane to be set up so councillors could have a look for themselves.

“It was so high above the tree line you could see it from the Dubbo Road on the other side of town.

“It appears however that they are confident there are no health issues and that the location is quite okay.

“I am not against the NBN tower or better internet service but I understand it could be placed somewhere away from residents, and people would still not lose out.”

Mr Page said one thing which may help to appease the residents is if the tower (pole) could be painted black so it would not be so noticeable.

“At least this would take the edge of it, it would be something.”

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Parkes Mayor Ken Keith said councillors had carried out an on-site inspection for the pole site and met with NBN representatives and the contractor.

“The application is now with council to make an impartial assessment, and the petition will be considered as part of the process,” he said.

“It should be pointed out that this is a single pole only, and not a tower, and I can not see it visually impacting too much. The vista is more to the east, not the west.

“As far as we are aware, there are also no health concerns.

“The pole would be located well off the road and is really no different to a tall light pole. Many people will not even know it is there.

“We also have to consider the greater good, how it will provide a fast NBN speed for local residents.

“An argument raised in the petition is also questionable,” the Mayor said.

“I doubt properties would lose value, if anything, they could possibly increase because of the very presence of a faster NBN service.

“The pole location on a high hill also provides line of sight needed for good service.

“No doubt these issues and other matters in the petition will be addressed when the matter comes before council which should be in the very near future.”