Residents opposed to an NBN tower close to their homes in Coorabell have been given assistance from Byron Shire councillors, who last week voted unanimously to ask that the tower’s construction halt until it is proven all requirements surrounding the approval process have been met.
Specifically, NBN’s full compliance ‘with all applicable provisions in the Industry Code C564: 2011 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment.’
Council are also requesting that meetings be held with neighbours who are ‘visually affected by the tower and locations to minimise visual impact within the property explored.’
It comes after residents in the area claimed there was inadequate consultation and that no other location options were provided.
A spokesperson from NBN Co has previously rejected those claims. Residents are also critical of Australian electromagnetic energy (EME) standards compared to other countries and the potential lack of independence of oversight bodies.
The motion by Cr Sarah Ndiaye (Greens) says that if there is no reply within a week from NBN Co, Visionstream and federal communications minister Mitch Fifield, then the council will ‘commence proceedings in the Land & Environment Court for injunctive relief.’
Optic fibre more efficient
Council will also request ‘consideration for access and utilisation of an optic fibre located at Coorabell Primary School for the delivery of NBN services to neighbouring properties.’
A review is also requested, ‘of the process that determined wireless over the more efficient option of fibre optic cable… [that] will not outdate quickly and does not present any potential health risks.’
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