General News
16 July, 2026
Telstra eyes $1.25M satellite dish proposal
TELSTRA has lodged a planning amendment to expand a proposed satellite array of nine dishes on the outskirts of Terang as part of a $1.25 million project.
Telstra has filed an application to amend a previously submitted application with Corangamite Shire Council for the development of a proposed telecommunications facility at 21 Emeny Street, Terang.
The proposal includes an array of nine dishes standing at 3.8 metres, all of which will be spaced seven metres apart.
The dishes are designed to provide Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity, which the application describes as a “significant investment and benefits for all Australians but in particular for regional and remote communities”.
“The current program involves establishing several ground stations nationally; the ground station functions by sending radio signals to and from LEO satellites, which is then connected into the terrestrial (fibre) network via the Telstra exchange” the application states.
“People in regional and remote communities can connect instantly by attaching a simple receiving antenna to their rooftop for immediate connectivity.”
Telstra chose the site due to its technical compatibility as a flat area within reasonable proximity to the Telstra Exchange, with good access, power, a clear view-shed and appropriate land use zoning.
The proposal includes an access driveway from Peterborough Road, a dedicated vehicle manoeuvring area and a compound to accommodate satellite array dishes.
The area is proposed to be fenced with 2.5-metre-high chain-link fence with three strand barbed wire.
A permit for the site had originally been granted in April 2026, but Telstra lodged the amendment due to revisions in the function and layout.
The amendment application states the development will now cost a total of $1.25 million, an additional $400,000 increase in the development cost, due to an expanded scope of the project.
“A technical assessment of the function and layout of the proposed facility has been revised to reflect a change in the profile of users of the system,” the application states.
“This includes generally a focus on a more significant portion of southern Australia resulting in the requirement for an increase from five to nine satellite array dishes.”
The site, directly on the corner of Emeny Street and Peterborough Road, states acoustic testing shows predicted noise levels of the facility will be compliant with both day and night time limits.
Corangamite Shire Council, as the appropriate authority, will not decide on the application before Monday, July 27.
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