THE small Beechmont community has fractured over 2025 plans by NBN Co to build a 40m communications tower in the district.
While the area is a blackspot for fast internet services some are concerned that the tower will be harmful to their health as well as being an eyesore.
The tower is proposed to be erected on the old Beechmont school site.
The Beech Mountain Association’s recent regular meeting listed the tower as one of the items to be discussed and the usual attendance numbers almost doubled.
The Association’s secretary, Lisa Groom, said while her group managed the old school site there had been minimal community consultation on the tower’s proposed location and whether the community wanted the option on the mountain.
“NBN has stated on its website that ADSL internet and Telstra copper home landline services will be phased out once the tower is operational,” she said.
“We had hoped that a NBN representative would have attended our last meeting to answer questions, but he had to cancel at the last minute because of a family emergency.
“He has now kindly offered to hold two information sessions at the proposed tower site and these will be held on November 11 and 18 between 3pm-6pm.
“I would encourage everyone in the area to call in and have a chat so they can be fully informed,” she said.
According to Lisa those at the last meeting were split on whether they wanted the tower and the fast internet service it would bring.
The association is now conducting a survey in an effort to get a clear understanding of local views on the project.
Scenic Rim Division three councillor, Stephen Moriarty, attended the meeting to hear the NBN debate and said while those against it were in the minority they spoke passionately in voicing their concerns.
“My views from the start have been that the local community needed to be consulted and their views heard and considered,” he said.
“Connectivity to the internet has been a problem for hundreds in the Beechmont area for years and I am sure there are many who are looking forward to NBN high speed broadband.
“They have been waiting years to get it and if approved by council it will finally happen next year.”
Latest NBN information
The Canungra Times put a number of questions to NBN Co in regards the Beechmont project.
Here is their response in full:
NBN Co is proposing to extend Fixed Wireless connectivity to Beechmont, Queensland, in response to local demand for high-speed broadband services.
NBN proposes to build a Fixed Wireless tower in the area and is working with Scenic Rim Regional Council to find a suitable location.
Faster speeds, especially during busy periods, help meet the growing data demands of regional Australia and support the rise of remote healthcare, working and learning from home, connect rural entrepreneurs to the world and allow people to stay connected to family, friends and their community.
NBN’s Fixed Wireless upgrade program, homes and businesses will benefit from wholesale busy period download speeds of at least 50 Mbps as well as new Fixed Wireless high-speed tiers with wholesale peak download speed ranges from 200 Mbps and up to 400 Mbps.
NBN local teams will hold community drop-in sessions from 3pm on Monday, November 11 and from the same time on Monday, November 18 at The Old School, Binna Burra Road, Beechmont, to discuss the project with local residents and provide information about NBN products and services.
