Press Releases

Base station Wölfnitz/Grossbuch: Negotiations will continue

Connect Austria (ONE) offered to further negotiate the height of the pole of the planned base station in Wölfnitz/Großbuch during an information event on 26 September 2001 for neighbours, politicians and local public interest groups. The vice mayor of Klagenfurt once again invites all parties concerned to the round table. Once the last pending issues have been clarified, Connect Austria will build the site.

In yesterday`s information event in Klagenfurt, Connect Austria and city and public interest group representatives agreed to negotiate the height of the controversial radio pole in Wölfnitz/Großbuch. Originally it should have been 56 metres high. Connect Austria press spokesperson Alexandra Schreiber: "We have complied with all legal regulations including environmental protection laws. Nonetheless, it is important to us that neighbours agree." Connect Austria volunteered to stop construction and will not continue until the height of the pole has been determined. Moreover, the results of another meeting convened in October by the vice-mayor of Klagenfurt, Mr. Wiedenbauer will be taken into consideration.

Facts and figures

- All the necessary permits for this site have been granted.
- The base station is vital for population coverage and network optimisation of villages and connecting roads in this region.
- It is to be established in a forest situated about 300 metres from the nearest houses and approximately 800 metres from the village of Großbuch.
- The height of the pole depends on the tree population that is 30 metres high and trees would otherwise cause radio umbrage.

Chronology of Events

End of July 2001
A public interest group led by Wilfried Truppe has concerns about the site being built. Connect Austria offers neighbours to organise an information event - this suggestion is turned down.

6 August
The public interest group threatens to squat on the construction site. The Connect Austria regional office in Graz volunteers to stop construction in order to attend to the concerns of neighbours and clarify the situation.

7 August
The public interest group presents 600 signatures to the mayor of Klagenfurt.

Mid-August
5 September is agreed upon as date for a citizen information event. The mayor of Klagenfurt agrees to attend. The appointment is, however, deferred, at the request of Mr. Truppe of the public interest group.

29 August
The public interest group organises an event, in which also city and province representatives (vice mayor of Klagenfurt) take part. Connect Austria is not invited.

26 September
In the course of the information event with the public interest group and responsible politicians, Connect Austria stresses that it only intends to build the base station if the population agrees. The height of the pole will be renegotiated.

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