Community opposition to the size and location of the tower have forced alterations to its design, which will be voted on when the council meets in Mortlake on Tuesday. 

Changes to the tower include a reduction in height, a further setback from the road and extra features to make the tower visible to pilots using Warrnambool Airport. 

Moyne Shire planning director Michelle Grainger told The Standard the council had amended the design following objections last year. 

If notice is given to approve the permit, a 40-metre tower will stand in a field 270 metres back from Ibbs Lane. 

“Some of the issues raised were about the safety of the airport,” Ms Grainger said. A low-intensity light and red and white stripes will now tip the structure. 

Ms Grainger said the company representing NBN Co, Visionstream, had indicated it could construct the tower with council’s changes. 

“They provided us with information that they would accept that.” 

Residents rallied against the tower in July last year. 

Among them was Moyne Shire mayor and Mailors Flat local Jim Doukas. 

Cr Doukas previously opposed the rollout of six other NBN towers across the shire that were given the green light by council during a December meeting.

A number of locals have maintained their opposition to the tower despite the changes, saying the tower will have too much visual impact. 

If built the tower will provide broadband speeds of 12 megabytes per second, according to Visionstream. 

s.mccomish@fairfaxmedia.com.au