February 22, 2023
A Telstra spokesperson has defended a proposal to erect a 5G telecommunications tower at the South Burnett Pistol Club site in Kingaroy.
In a statement released after Tuesday’s anti-5G rally outside the proposed site, the spokesperson noted that Telstra 5G coverage now covers more than 80 per cent of the Australian population.
“Now it is the South Burnett’s turn to enjoy the technology’s faster speeds and higher capacity,” the spokesperson said.
“We welcome community feedback and notified nearby residents and businesses about our plans.
“We reviewed all matters that were raised in submissions by locals as part of this process.
“We take our responsibilities regarding the health and safety of our customers and the community very seriously.
“We also acknowledge that some people are genuinely concerned about the possible health effects from electromagnetic energy (EME) and we’re committed to addressing those concerns responsibly.
“We rely on scientific advice, not only from our own local experts, but also from international researchers at places such as the World Health Organisation. 5G is similar to both 4G and 3G when it comes to EME levels and both these technologies have been in operation across Australia for many years.”
- Related article: Locals Rally In The Rain Against 5G
Rightly or wrongly this will be back on the table within 6 months.
Past history shows council won’t win and other than a big legal bill we will have nothing to show for the decision.
Sad but true. Just my opinion
It amazes me this council can continue to vote against (or refuse to vote against) progress in this region.
It is in the council’s corporate and operational plan (gr10 & opi/16 respectively) to continue development of digital transformation and capacity; specifically for mobile telecommunications black spots. This tower would help with both Redmans/Malar road and Coolabunia black spots.
It’s easier to call a last-minute rally to get mentioned on social media, than follow the operational plan they endorsed.
I think it is great that Mayor Brett Otto has taken the community concerns and health into consideration, a true leader in my eyes.
I am sure that there are plenty of other positions the tower could go where it is not belting magnetic radiation within close proximity of people’s homes.
Other people may feel the same if it was in their neighbourhood.
Absolutely pathetic, Mayor Otto needs to go. He only has the interest of the elderly in mind because that’s what the town is mainly made up of. It’s a political stunt to stay in for the next election. You can’t stop progression, mate, you can only delay it. Congrats but you have lost my family’s vote next election and I’m sure you’ve just lost a lot more.