Council vote to increase connectivity with the approval of a new communications tower just outside Harvey

The Harvey Shire Council have voted to improve connectivity across the region with the approval of a new telecommunications tower just outside town.

The 40-metre tall tower will sit along Logue Road, five kilometres south east of Harvey.

The tower will be operated by telecommunications company Swoop as part of the Regional Connectivity Program.

The program aims to improve digital connectivity across regional and rural parts of Australia with this tower aiming to improve coverage for an additional 5000 addresses within the Shire of Harvey.

The council voted unanimously to approve the application to build the tower at its most recent meeting on February 27.

The tower will be paid for by Swoop with grants from both State and Federal governments, and be provided some power from an on-site solar array.

Councillor John Bromham questioned the placement of the tower at the meeting, asking if it would be a blight on the otherwise picturesque landscape.

Given the presence of other telecommunications towers in the region the tower is not seen to be an aesthetic issue.

Council documents state the tower’s site has been selected specifically to minimise visual impact wherever possible, in a place where no significant viewing locations would be obstructed.