Telstra has submitted a development application (DA) for a mobile phone base tower in Bundanoon on Erith Street at Bundanoon Oval.

The proposal is to install a 40m monopole with antennas and an equipment shelter adjacent to the base of the pole.

Hume MP Angus Taylor said mobile coverage in the southern village had been “a long running issue” and hoped council would support the application.

“It would improve mobile phone coverage there both for the general community and major events like Brigadoon,” he said.

“We’ve had an enormous number (of contact) in the Bundanoon area and Exeter.”

With new NBN towers in the area, Mr Taylor said internet connections had improved but there was a still a need for better mobile coverage.

He said the tower would be used by both Telstra and Optus. A previous site had been identified for the tower, however its proximity to homes was a concern.

A Statement of Environmental Impacts prepared by Aurecon to support the DA said Telstra had identified Bundanoon as an area which was in need of improved mobile and internet coverage.

“The proposed telecommunications facility has been designed to provide network coverage in an area where coverage is currently inadequate,” it said.

According to the report selective lopping of branches overhanging the site for the proposed development may be required. Use council’s DA Tracker (number 18/0261) for more details.