Aslan Shand
A nationwide class action is being filed against government and industry for harmful exposure to electromagnetic radiation (EMR) by Wilsons Creek locals over the development application for a Telstra microwave tower in their valley.
The effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) is a contentious issue for many; those who have sought to avoid EMR towers for health reasons have been vilified.
However, there is an increasing body of scientific literature that is now challenging the safety of EMR, and Oceania Radiofrequency Scientific Advisory Association (ORSAA) is a group of concerned scientists from a range of disciplines that have been bringing this material together.
Locally, this is coming to a head around the proposed 35m Telstra microwave tower in Wilsons Creek with locals and other concerned community members forming the Environment and Community Safe from Radiation Association (ECSRA).
ECSRA told The Echo they are now in the process of filing a nationwide class action against the government and industry, ‘for failing to protect the citizens of Australia against exposure to harmful EMR from consumer products and industrial facilities such as mobile phone towers, and for forcing, without public consent, a potential carcinogen onto all Australians.’
And they have some impressive backing, with barrister Raymond Broomhall from former Justice Michael Kirby’s chambers coming on board to run the case.
One local resident of 26 years, Barbara Cummings, told The Echo that she will have to consider selling her home if the Wilsons Creek tower goes ahead.
300m from home
‘The apex of the tower will be directly in line with our house, only 300m away’ said Barbara. ‘My husband already has cancer and we don’t need this as well.’
According to Victor Leach from ORSAA, ‘There is published evidence in the scientific literature reporting increased prevalence of adverse neurobehavioural symptoms and/or cancer in populations living at distances of less than 500 metres from base stations.’
Sufficient evidence
‘Experts such as oncologist Professor Lennart Hardell (at Örebro University Hospital in Örebro, Sweden) now consider there is sufficient evidence for radiofrequency (RF) radiation to be classified as a human Group 1 carcinogen according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) definition. It is currently classified as a group 2B as a “possible” human carcinogen.’
ECSRA have pointed out that there are already a number of towers throughout the Byron Shire and say that that ‘the imminent 5G rollout, which is an integral part of the government/telco black spot program, requires one tower approximately every two to twelve houses.’
Public event August 4, Mullum
A public meeting is being called on August 4 in Mullumbimby from 4 till 9pm, venue to be confirmed, for those wanting to find out more about EMR.
Speakers include Barrister Raymond Broomhall (former Justice Michael Kirby’s office), Victor Leach from ORSAA and Dr Russell Cooper, an integrative medical doctor who specialises in environmental and nutritional medicine.
There will be a soup kitchen and live music during intermission.
‘This is a free public event. Any offers of contributions to support this campaign will be gratefully received at the door,’ said an ESCRA spokesperson.
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