The body corporate committee for a Palm Beach high-rise has rejected claims that there is a “brawl is brewing” over plans to renew a mobile phone tower lease on the top of the building
Secretary of the Regency on the Beach Body Corporate Committee, Anthony Schiavo says the committee is still assessing the best options available.
“The Body Corporate Committee’s role is to represent the best interests of all the owners in the building and not just a handful of owners,’’ he said.
“It’s important we correct information published in your article about the “5G” towers.”
Mr Schiavo said the current lease of telecommunications equipment, which had been in place at the building for more than 15 years, would continue until a majority of the owners decided to end the agreement.
“All current owners have purchased their apartments in full knowledge of the long-standing telecommunications arrangements in place with Regency on the Beach,” he said.
He said the body corporate was now negotiating with the companies involved in a bid to protect the body corporate’s rights.
Under the Telecommunications Act, providers have rights to access property under Commonwealth law. This includes the right to install ‘low impact’ telecommunications equipment regardless of whether or not the owner of the property provides consent.
“We have asked our lawyers to advise us what is the worst-case scenario for us under the Telecommunications Act if we decline the arrangement,’’ said Mr Schiavo.
Mr Schiavo said there was no ‘split’ amongst owners because nothing has been put to a vote.
“No new agreement has been reached between the Body Corporate and the telecommunications providers nor has anything been presented to owners for their consideration,’’ he said.
“The body corporate committee’s role is to determine if an agreement, once reached, has been prepared with the best interests of all owners in mind.
“Should an agreement be reached to the satisfaction of the committee, it will be put to all owners for a vote at a general meeting on 21 March. Owners will have the final say. “