After a 2022 revision of planning and zoning laws, Optus Tower has resubmitted its proposal to erect a 5G cell tower on Bouddi Peninsula. Located approximately 50 miles northeast of Sydney, Killcare Heights on the Central Coast hosts an affluent population of landowners, a national park, and is a site treasured by Australia’s indigenous peoples. As WA Today reports, there are objections from several factions, with the most emotional opposition coming from the native community. Many say that a cell tower at that location will be disruptive to spiritual practices that accompany the annual whale migration through the Tasman Sea.
“That ridgeline is where ceremonies were held to sing the whales in and sing them off to a good journey,” explained Tracey Howie, Director of Awabakal & Guringai Pty Ltd. “So it’s spiritually and culturally important to my people.” The Guringai people continue to perform songs for the whales at the beginning, middle, and end of their annual travels. Howie notes that private landowners have been supportive of the ceremonies and have extended open welcomes to the indigenous peoples. She is concerned that Optus and the state of New South Wales will not be as understanding.
“They simply do not care if the tower is offensive to the local Guringai people and their annual whale migration festival, which will be held under the shadow of the new tower,” neighbor Tony Denny told WA Today. He accused Optus of adopting a “reptilian approach” towards the whale singers.
An Optus representative responded, stating that the company is “committed to keeping our customers connected by providing the highest possible coverage.” The representative also explained to malcontents that less visibly intrusive small cell poles would not work in the hilly, densely lush terrain. The proposal for the cell tower for Wards Hill Road requires a height of approximately 108-feet in order to deliver a reliable cell signal to the area.
The application is currently under review by the Central Coast Council. The Council approved a similar request in 2019. That approval was later overturned by the Land and Environment Court for technicalities. An unnamed council member said that the Darkinjung Local Aboriginal Land Council was consulted and did not lodge any objections. He noted that the council welcomed any additional feedback from Bouddi residents.
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