If you recently found a notification letter in your letterbox regarding the mobile phone base station at 43-45 Elizabeth Street, you aren't alone. Telstra has quietly kicked off a consultation process for a significant upgrade to the existing 35-metre steel pole—though whether any residents received an SMS heads-up is anyone’s guess, the physical letters have started landing.

Here is what is actually changing, why local council oversight isn't involved, and how you can actually make your voice heard before the window slams shut.

What’s Proposed?

According to official filings on the Radio Frequency National Site Archive, Telstra is planning a major equipment swap on the pole to roll out upgraded 4G and 5G services to the surrounding area.

The scope of work includes:

• Removing nine (9) existing panel antennas.

• Installing three (3) new panel antennas (less than 2.8m in length).

• Installing six (6) new panel antennas (less than 1.1m in length).

• Installing or replacing necessary ancillary equipment.

Why Isn’t the Council Involved?

If you're wondering why local residents aren't being asked to vote on a Development Application through the council, it comes down to federal legislation.

Under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018, swapping equipment on an existing pole like this is classed as a "low-impact" facility. Because of that legal classification, Telstra does not require local council development approval to proceed. This consultation notice is the primary mechanism required by law to inform the community before work gets underway.

Cutting Through the Noise: Where Feedback Actually Matters

Let’s be honest: writing in to say "take down the tower because I don't like EMFs and it's ugly" isn't going to shift the needle. Under federal regulations, the tower meets strict safety standards set by ARPANSA, and carriers have a legal right to maintain and upgrade low-impact infrastructure.

However, the consultation code does give the community a voice on practical, localized issues. If you want to use your feedback effectively, focus on areas the carrier is actually required to consider:

• Visual Amenity & Streetscape: Do the new configurations or equipment housings change how the pole looks from neighboring properties or the immediate streetscape?

• Construction Disruptions: Will truck movements, equipment staging, or installation work on Elizabeth Street cause traffic blockages, parking headaches, or noise issues for locals while the upgrade is happening?

• Local Coverage Clarifications: If you live in a specific coverage pocket nearby, does this upgrade actually address local service gaps?

Have Your Say Before the Deadline

The consultation window is short and sharp. Telstra is accepting comments, questions, and concerns until 5:00 PM on Friday, 6 November 2026.

If you want to raise a legitimate local concern or ask a question about the upgrade, you can contact the planning consultant handling the submission process directly:

• Planning Consultant: Mark Baade (SAQ Consulting Pty Ltd)

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• Phone: 0417 088 000

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• Email: mark@saqconsulting.com.au

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• Postal: P O Box 50, CLAYFIELD QLD 4011