Tuesday, 18 August, 2026
Heritage recommended for Mangans Road property
How the Yarra Ranges are preparing for bird flu
Veteran advocate visits Vietnam for the first time
Real estate liftout inside
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A Star News Group Publication
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A time to remember and reflect Vietnam Veterans’ Day was commemorated at the Croydon War Memorial on Sunday 16 August, remembering and recognising the service of thousands of men who were deployed to Vietnam in the 1960s and ‘70s. Special tribute was paid to two local men who never returned home to their families, Raymond Moore and Michael Hannaford. The day was particularly sombre recalling the 60 years since the Battle of Long Tan, which saw 18 Australian soldiers killed. But it was also a reflection on the camaraderie and friendships that stemmed from service together. See more on page 18
The Outer East Vietnam Veterans’ Association guided the march to Croydon’s War Memorial. (Mikayla van Loon: 572326)
Telco tower anger By Mikayla van Loon Plans for a 30-metre telecommunications tower in Montrose have sparked strong pushback from local residents concerned about visual pollution, environmental damage, and the facility’s overall effectiveness. Indara Corporation has applied to the Yarra Ranges Council to erect a monopole at Melbourne Water’s Montrose Service Reservoir on Bretby Way. Intended to support Optus and TPG services across Montrose and surrounding foothills, the proposal comes before councillors for a
final decision on Tuesday 25 August. Local residents, led by Kilsyth property owner Huon Stride and an action group of about 12 locals, contend the tower is unnecessary and driven purely by corporate profit. Mr Stride points out that existing coverage maps from major providers already show moderate to good network access across the area, arguing that terrain, not a lack of towers, is the core issue. “Topography, basically valleys, dips, and heavy bushland block or inhibit the signal,” Stride said, adding that council rejected a similar pro-
posal in 2005 due to the land’s natural contours. He urged providers like Optus to upgrade existing 4G infrastructure to 5G rather than build new structures. The proposed site at Pine Hill also carries environmental sensitivities. Following damage from weed spraying in 2009, the land was declared a temporary conservation zone. Residents note that active tree-planting efforts have since brought back local wildlife, including powerful owls, honeyeaters, and rosellas, which could be disrupted by construction.
While Indara’s application asserts the site was chosen to minimise scenic and environmental impact, claiming existing vegetation will screen the facility from nearby homes, residents dispute these findings. Digital imaging prepared by the action group suggests the monopole will remain a prominent eyesore, particularly for homes within 90 metres. Optus and TPG did not respond to requests for comment regarding coverage benefits or site selection. Turn to page 2 for the full story
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