The state government’s Development Assessment Commission (DAC) has concurred with Light Regional Council’s decision to approve the 28-metre phone tower, enabling council to grant the tower development plan consent.

Patsy Biscoe, co-chair of the Tanunda Town Committee, said the decision is disappointing.

“It is an extremely difficult situation because how do you actually decide where these towers go?” she said.

“If you don’t consult with the community, actually sit down and talk to them, they can put them anywhere.”

A statement from the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) said that as a Category 3 application, members of the public who made representations to council on the proposal have the right of appeal in the Environment, Resources and Development Court.

Ms Biscoe said they could take the matter to court or go through the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

“There are still a few avenues left to us, we can go to the ERD Court, and we can also go to ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) and say ‘we

just don’t believe consultation happened’,” she said.

“In response to double the number of objections - you don’t move it closer to Tanunda - that is ridiculous.”

When Vodafone first applied to build the tower on the Smyth Road property, the application received 62 submissions, with 61 of those being against the development.

The applicant subsequently amended the plan of the proposal, which received almost double the feedback of the original, with 116 submissions received by council, and 112 of those against the proposal.

Despite the community’s feedback, in December the DAP gave the proposed tower approval subject to the concurrence of the DAC.

A Vodafone spokesperson said the company is working to improve the quality of the mobile services it provides to the Tanunda area.

“Vodafone has undertaken a detailed assessment over more than 12 months to evaluate the merits of numerous proposed sites in the area to ensure it balances the needs of the local community for improved mobile services, while also selecting an appropriate site and facility design that is as unobtrusive as possible,” the spokesperson said.

“Vodafone has also engaged in detailed consultation with residents, businesspeople and councillors to arrive at a proposal that is consistent with all regulations and ensures the best possible outcome for all interested parties.”