By Cam Lucadou-Wells
A Narre Warren South resident is shocked by NBN Co plans to install a large National Broadband Network node cabinet in the middle of her front lawn.
Tracie Schmutter was shocked to learn in March that the “massive” cabinet would be built on the council-owned nature strip next to her unfenced front yard on Portree Place.
The node’s position would be right in front of the house’s windows, and would dent the property’s value, aesthetics and access for car parking, she argues.
“It wouldn’t matter so much if they put it off to the side but they can’t because of the Telstra infrastructure already there.
“It’s just a telecom party.”
She was unimpressed by an NBN Co argument that she would benefit from faster internet speeds due to the node’s proximity.
Ms Schmutter said there were several less intrusive alternative sites that didn’t impinge on views from windows or front lawns.
NBN Co has not yet made a final decision on the site but Ms Schmutter had been given “no hope” that anything would change.
“It seems that money is tight and the NBN Co can do whatever they want to do.”
In correspondence with Ms Schmutter, an NBN Co case manager stated re-location would only be considered for “life threatening or safety issues”.
Sites were chosen mainly according to being able to “efficiently maintain the (NBN) infrastructure to service the surrounding homes,” Ms Schmutter was told.
“While (NBN) appreciates that the selected locations may not be the preference for everyone, unfortunately aesthetic concerns or front lawn parking are not a means to relocate a node.”
An NBN spokesman said the company was exploring “alternative placements that fit within our design requirements”.
