How we got here

Telstra has advised that its mobile coverage and network performance in parts of Glen Iris and Malvern East have declined, leading to issues such as call dropouts, poor indoor reception and unreliable mobile data. Council has received petitions with over 700 signatures from residents and businesses requesting improved coverage, with similar concerns raised with the State Member for Malvern.

Telstra assessed 15 potential sites within the local area, including private rooftop locations and other sporting grounds and parkland. Following this assessment, Telstra identified Central Park as the most viable site capable of meeting Telstra's coverage objectives. Various other Council-owned sites were assessed and determined unsuitable for the proposed telecommunications facility.

On 20 July 2026, Council resolved to put proposed options for a telecommunications facility at Central Park to community consultation. The Council report is available in the document library on this page.

Integrated Monopole (inside John Landy Oval)

An existing 25 metre sports light pole would be removed and replaced with a new 32 metre pole (26 metre monopole with a 6 metre turret mount), combining sports lighting, CCTV and telecommunications equipment. It is designed to blend in with existing sports lighting infrastructure, with antennas concealed within the upper section.

Presentation of Concept Design – Option A

Images are indicative only

What this means:

• Does not require a planning permit.
• May appear less prominent, as it integrates with existing infrastructure.
• The existing security cameras and floodlights would be relocated onto the new pole, alongside the telecommunications equipment.
• Sports lighting and CCTV would be attached to the same pole which means a shared infrastructure arrangement that may require ongoing coordination between Council and Telstra/Amplitel.
• Limited changes to surrounding park infrastructure.
• Future pavilion redevelopment plans would need to consider the shared infrastructure arrangement.
• Approximately 24m² lease area.
• Approximately 4-6 weeks construction period.
• An Electromagnetic Energy (EME) report will be prepared and made publicly available before construction begins.

Stand-Alone Monopole (outside John Landy Oval)

A new telecommunications pole (32 metres total — a 26 metre monopole with a 6 metre turret mount) would be built near Burke Road, between the bus shelter and water meter enclosure, as a separate structure from existing sports lighting.

Presentation of Concept Design - Option B

Images are indicative only

What this means:

• Requires a planning permit, including public notification as part of the normal planning process.
• Likely to be more visually prominent as a separate structure in a park setting.
• Sports lighting and CCTV remain separate from the telecommunications pole, reducing shared maintenance risk.
• Potential opportunity to underground overhead power lines, remove an existing power pole, and improve sections of the path.
• Considered less likely to affect future pavilion redevelopment plans.
• Approximately 24m² lease area.
• Approximately 4-6 weeks construction period.
• An Electromagnetic Energy (EME) report will be prepared and made publicly available before construction begins.

If this option is preferred, neither Option A nor B would proceed in Central Park. This means the mobile coverage and network reliability issues currently affecting parts of Glen Iris and Malvern East would not be addressed through this proposal, and Telstra would be responsible for finding an alternative solution.

What this means:

• No new Telstra telecommunications structure in Central Park.
• The Telstra coverage issues driving this proposal would remain unchanged for the area.
• No alternative Council sites are proposed.

What happens next

Once consultation closes, Council will carefully review all the feedback received, alongside technical, planning, ownership, maintenance and telecommunications requirements. Your feedback matters and will genuinely help shape this decision.

Council will then determine whether to proceed with one of the options, seek more information, or not proceed with any of the options. Follow this page to be notified when the outcome is published.

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