AFTER being pushed from pillar to post, the outcome over a concrete obelisk built in front of Kerry Wane’s house is better than she had hoped.
The base under an NBN node cabinet will be removed from the verge in front of Ms Wane’s Victoria Point home.
The outcome came after a battle by Ms Wane, who was taken aback by the eyesore visible from her lounge window.
It was built months after she received a notice in her post box that a national broadband network node cabinet would be installed on the verge.
The notice had a picture of the node and gave the height as 1.25 metres.
She said that she did not object because the dimensions meant the cabinet would be about the height of her fence.
However, the cabinet was installed on top of a concrete block about 90 centimetres high.
Hoping for an explanation, Ms Wane contacted NBN Co, council and the telecommunications ombudsman.
“I was just passed around and no one took any responsibility, gave me an explanation or offered any solution,” Ms Wane said.
She suggested painting the base green – offering to do it herself – or planting a tree on the other side of the fence but was told her solutions were not an option.
“I was told that if I wanted it moved, I would have to apply and would have to pay for it myself,” Ms Wane said.
“I was also told that it was unlikely the move would be agreed to.”
Ms Wane said the verge was common land but had hoped the structure could be transformed into something more pleasing to the eye.
“I am quite sure that if the mayor lived here, the structure wouldn’t be there,” she said.
“I just thought a little bit of paint and a plant would make it look prettier.”
An NBN Co spokesperson said the placement of nodes was complex and field work was done to set up the best position.
“One of the issues considered is flooding,” the spokesperson said.
“We keep them out of flood plains where we can but this is sometimes unavoidable.
“In those cases we may choose to elevate the node to maximise it’s protection.”
The spokesperson said NBN Co engaged with council, as the land owner, during the design phase.
“This provides council with an opportunity to dispute the intended location, and as the landowner they are the only party able to formally object,” the spokesperson said.
The spokesperson said flyers were delivered to residents and NBN Co would consider changes to designs after receiving residents’ feedback.
