Community urged to join efforts against tower proposal

The Woombye Community & Business Association (WCBA) is issuing a rallying call to local residents to join forces in opposition to the proposed telecommunications tower at 1-9 Campbell Street. 

“With the Sunshine Coast Council  waiting on the applicant to respond to an Information Request, the time to act is now,” said President Milo Frawley. 

“Community action helped us avoid having a tower imposed on the town in an unwanted location the last time they tried, but we’re worried the community might be complacent after we successfully challenged it in 2021.” 

At the recent WCBA meeting held on March 26, 2024, members discussed the status of the application and deliberated on steps moving forward. 

Vice-president Grant Palethorpe, an urban/town planner, emphasised the importance of preparing a comprehensive submission to Council, which includes the applicant’s response to the Information Request. 

This submission, to be coordinated by the WCBA, will be pivotal in voicing community concerns during the public notification period. A WCBA sub-committe has been formed and will be spearheaded by Jill Kuramoto.

Mr Frawley emphasised the urgency of the situation. 

“We cannot afford to be passive bystanders. It’s imperative that we take individual and collective action.”

Four areas requiring action were identified. They included funding, engagement, community awareness and individual submissions. 

• Funding: As a not-for-profit organization, the WCBA relies on community support to finance professional submissions and printing costs. Residents are encouraged to contribute to fundraising efforts through https://gofund.me/4f696cfd.

• Engagement: The WCBA aims to engage a professional town planner to ensure the submission accurately addresses the concerns raised. This step is crucial in presenting a compelling case against the tower’s installation.

• Community Awareness: Initiatives such as information booths, letterbox drops, and social media campaigns are vital in raising awareness and garnering support. A Facebook page is being set up for sharing information. Volunteers are needed to facilitate these efforts and spread the word within the community. 

• Individual Submissions: Every voice matters. Residents are encouraged to submit their objections to the SCC once public notification commences. Templated individual submissions will be available from WCBA once public notification begins. Ms Kuramoto said the WCBA would coordinate collection and delivery of submissions to maximise impact. 

Ms Kuramoto urged residents to lend their time, ideas, skills, and financial support to the cause.  

• For those wishing to join the fight against the telecommunications tower or for more information, please contact: Jill Kuramoto, via woombyecommunity@gmail.com or donate at https://gofund.me/4f696cfd.