Liberal MLA Deborah Morris brought a motion calling on the Government to acknowledge community disapproval of a telecommunications tower proposed to be built in a park in Fadden, and to direct the Environment, Planning, and Sustainable Development Directorate to re-evaluate the suitability of the site.

The Minister for Planning proposed an amendment removing the requirement for the Government to re-evaluate the tower’s site, noting that it is not appropriate for the Government to intervene in the independent Territory Planning Authority’s decision-making process. The Canberra Liberals opposed that amendment but all other Members, including Thomas, supported it.

Thomas also proposed a further amendment noting this is the second time this year that community members have been unhappy with consultation and decision-making in relation to site selection for a telecommunication tower, after Ainslie residents opposed a tower in the Ainslie Volcanics Grasslands. His amendment also called on the Government to explore options for better forward planning so that future developments are based not merely on convenience for telecommunication companies, but give close consideration to environmental concerns and community preferences. Thomas’ amendment was supported unanimously.

Nobody speaking to the motion opposed new telecommunications infrastructure, but there was support across the Assembly for a better approach to determining locations for that infrastructure. The amended motion was passed by the Assembly.