The couple, who have three children, said they had not been consulted by the company in regard to the tower and held concerns over the value of their home and health of their family.

"We vehemently oppose this structure right next to our family home," Mrs Richardson said.

"Everyone is concerned of potential and as yet unknown health ramifications, safety issues and as well as the drastic drop in property value."

She said machinery had been on the adjacent property measuring up for the structure, but Optus had failed to answer the family's concerns.

"This matter is quite urgent, we need to do something to stop this happening," Mrs Richardson said.

The couple said while they were not opposed to a tower being constructed in the area, an alternative site needed to be located.

An Optus spokesman told the Examiner the company was in the process of finalising a proposal for a new tower in the Port Stephens region at an as yet to-be-confirmed site. He said residents would have the chance to comment on the proposal when a development application (DA) was lodged with Port Stephens Council next month.

Council head planner David Broyd confirmed Optus had advised the council a DA would be lodged but could not confirm the location of the site.

The Optus spokesman said the tower would bring improved 3G mobile coverage.