Ooki Pty Ltd recently approached to the council to construct a low visual impact antenna on the roof of its building at 56 Clinton Street, which houses Workspace 2580 and other tenants.

It would help support high-speed internet for residents and businesses across the Local Government Area. The wireless internet provider already has an antenna on another council facility on Ridge Street, which attracts a 25 per cent rental discount.  

A letter from Ooki Pty Ltd explained that the site had been selected because it had direct line of sight to Ridge Street and easy access to fibre optic cable.

The Canberra-based company says it aims to provide “enhanced internet services at a lower cost than alternative NBN satellite services” to Goulburn Mulwaree.

At their meeting on Tuesday, councillors considered the company’s request for a 25pc discount on the $200/month rent for the dish at Clinton Street. This was based on the fact it also provided residential coverage.

But Cr Banfield baulked.

“To be quite honest, $200 a month is dirt cheap for a telecommunications company to pay,” he said.

“This is a profit making organisation. Where do we draw the line? Do we also subsidise Telstra and Dodo?”  

But Cr Denzil Sturgiss praised the service that Ooki provided, particularly in outlying areas where there were many “dead spots.” The company provided a free service for some community facilities like the Tarago fire shed, he said. Cr Sturgiss won support from Cr Leah Ferrara who argued the council shouldn’t be charging for a community service. Cr Banfield took her to task on this comment.

But the majority of councillors supported the discount, provided it was reviewed annually taking into account any increase in the antenna’s commercial use.