There was a significant police presence at the Mullumbimby Telstra tower facility as its restoration commenced. Other police stopped and swabbed drivers entering and exiting the town.
‘Reinstalling the tower is a priority to ensure the safety of the local community and the NSW Police Force will provide a highly visible presence to minimise any potential disruption to these works,’ a police spokesperson told The Echo.
It is understood that there were allegations that police at the site asked some members of the public to move on and stop taking photos or filming however, the police spokesperson said there were ‘no reports of officers requesting people not to film’.
‘During an operation at the site yesterday (Tuesday 7 June 2022), no arrests were made and one move-on direction was issued, with approximately a dozen protesters were present at the site. Police were pleased with the behaviour of protesters at the site.’
Arson investigation
The alleged arson attack that took place on the Mullumbimby Telstra tower overnight on March 18, 2022, just following two major flooding events in the region, has left many people without mobile coverage in the area.
While the temporary tower has restored some of the coverage, the alleged arson attack that disabled the tower has left many people struggling to access communications, access work and run businesses let alone just complete the basic daily living activities and work online that requires two-factor authentification.
‘Investigations are continuing into a suspicious fire at a telecommunications tower at Mullumbimby earlier this year,’ said the police spokesperson.
‘Police and emergency services were called to River Terrace about 3am on Friday 18 March 2022, following reports the top section of the tower was well alight.
‘Fire and Rescue NSW attended and extinguished the blaze before a crime scene was established and examined by specialist forensic officers.
‘Detectives from Tweed/Byron Police District are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire and are appealing for information from the community, which may assist with their inquiries.
‘Anyone who may have any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.’
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