NBN Co wireless tower loses power cable to saboteurs

NBN Co has called in the police after a long length of power cabling for a new fixed wireless tower in regional Victoria was allegedly ripped out of the ground and removed from the site.

Generic image of NBN fixed wireless tower.

The network builder told iTnews that it is “responding to suspected deliberate damage to our fixed wireless infrastructure in Woodend North over the weekend”.

Woodend North is in the Macedon Ranges about 75km from Melbourne.

“We are working with police to investigate the incident,” an NBN Co spokesperson said.

“Thankfully, there has been no disruption to services and we are working on to repair the damage”.

iTnews understands that the tower and associated infrastructure is new and yet to be commissioned.

NBN field technicians received a power failure alarm for the site on Saturday and arrived to find the site had been broken into and the power cabling missing.

It is believed that the NBN tower is being fed by a long power supply cable that ran across a paddock to the nearest power distribution line.

A generator has been deployed to the site and will be in place until the damage is repaired.

A Victoria Police spokesperson confirmed it is "investigating after copper wire was stolen at Woodend North on Saturday 29 June."

"It is believed unknown offenders driving a white Toyota Hi-ace have stolen the copper from an address on Clancy's Lane about 7.30am.

"Gisborne police are investigating and appeal for any witnesses or anyone that may have seen any suspicious activity in the area."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.