THE Muswellbrook Eagles are preparing for their biggest showdown of the season, as they look to take on the council over a proposed mobile tower at their junior football home ground.
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The 27-metre tower would be placed at Victoria Park, within half a kilometre of the Muswellbrook General Cemetery (MGC).
The Eagles weren’t told about the development, which would see one of the field’s lights knocked down, and they only found out when Hill Street local and team member Brad Kane alerted them.
“We weren’t consulted at all,” club president Ian Tomlinson said.
“As a club, we found out from Brad and from the residents there was a development application (DA) that went out on September 3 and we didn’t find out about it until this week (September 10-19).”
Mr Kane was bullish on the issue, and said he thinks speaking to the street’s residents was just a formality for a decision that has already been made.
“Not all residents of the street were consulted, even in the immediate area, and I just think it’s a disgrace to build a tower of that size here,” he said.
“We’re still not sure of any harmful effects.
“There’s been a lot of studies to say there are affects from magnetic fields from these towers, anything from cancer to heart problems.
“I don’t think anything that close to houses is any good for anyone.
“We got the approval [forms] and we’ve got the right to object.
“But, looking at the way it’s been pegged out, I think they’ve already got their mind made up.”
The club has revealed they will put in an opposition to the DA, and will contact the state and federal MPs to help protect the field they have been improving for the past two years.
Mr Tomlinson was also concerned about the other land in the area, such as the neighbouring MGC.
“The [Muswellbrook Shire] council has always been talking about beautifying the aspects towards the cemetery, and then they’re going to go and put in a big mobile phone tower like that,” he said.
Mr Kane also said residents would be effected financially, and isn’t confident about the future of the street’s value.
“We’re not only concerned about the health effects, but also the devaluation of property,” he explained.
“It’s within 60m of a few of our houses here and if you go to resale then it’s a major talking point.
“I don’t think anyone would want to buy in an area when you walk outside and see a tower that size and not know the effects of it long-term.”
The Chronicle has contacted council, however it is yet to receive a response.
