Do you want a NBN tower in your back yard? No? Neither do many of the people who live in the Main Arm valley. Many locals are concerned about its electro-magnetic-radiation (EMR) and the impact on the scenic amenity as there are numerous towers planned throughout Main Arm to supply NBN throughout the valley. Preparation for the first tower is underway. It will be perched above Durrumbul Hall within 500m of both Durrumbul Public School and Pre-School – against education department recommendations.
‘The impact will also be felt directly by many landholders and residents who live within the amplification zone of the area of the tower,’ said one local who is opposed to the towers.
Significant concern has been raised about this issue both within the local community and with NBN directly. However, NBN has decided to go ahead against community objections. They are able to do this under the Infrastructure SEPP (State Environment Planning Policy) that allows them to side step the standard environmental and public scrutiny.
Possible 5G tower
Another concern raised by local community members is that once the tower is in place it will continue to be addd to by other telecommunications groups and that this could lead to it becoming a 5G tower.
NBN has previously confirmed with Echonetdaily that ‘It’s not likely there’ll be other antennas added, but it’s possible.’
The local community is taking on the fight to stop the tower from being built and commissioned for use. They need your help to raise the funds to take legal action to halt the project.
Fight the tower fundraiser
Live music will warm up the hall from 4pm and many speakers will be informing the community about the impacts and problems with EMR at the fundraiser this Saturday 5 October from 4.30pm at Durrumbul Hall in Main Arm.
The community is raising funds to fight the tower and protect Byron’s biosphere – with its alternative lifestyles and perspectives – with the help of local DJs Orthentix, Short Circuit, Spliffin, and Fago “Triple Vision”.
There will be great food for sale so don’t forget to bring your plate, cup and cutlery. There are a huge amount of raffles including one night at Blackbirds bed and breakfast, $50 pizza voucher from Main Arm shop, plenty of hemp products from Hemp Culture and of course the old Main Arm tin raffle.
‘Durr-um-bul is a term originating with the aboriginal community of the Water Rat people of the Brunswick River system,’ said one local organiser. ‘The main arteries that flow into that system are known as the Main Arm, the South Arm, Marshalls Creek and Simpsons Creek that flow into Brunswick River. Kings Creek and Mullumbimby Creek flow into the system at Mullumbimby. This water is the life blood of our Byron Shire.
‘Our people who now inhabit this region rely upon its waters and its beautiful native vegetation that creates our native biosphere to support our lives and health through its interaction with our Mother Earth’s energies and vibrations.’
A spokesperson for Stop 5G Northern Rivers says that, ‘The current EMF exposure standards are 30 years old based on testing using a six foot dummy for six minutes phone time. This does not cover 97 per cent of the population.’
The group are also running the #wearenotsam campaign to raise awareness of the impacts of 5G.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
