FAQs
Will these towers affect my health?
Council understands that some people have concerns about electromagnetic energy (EME) exposure and 5G’s impact on human health.
We refer to expert advice from the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) for overall assessments of health and safety impacts. ARPANSA advise that there is no substantiated scientific evidence that radiofrequency technologies that operate within national and international safety standards cause health effects.
ARPANSA’s position on EME is:
“Based on current research there are no established health effects that can be attributed to the low RF EME exposure from mobile phone base station antennas.”
You can read about the RPS S-1, EME and health here:
https://www.arpansa.gov.au/sites/default/files/rps_s-1.pdf
https://www.telstra.com.au/consumer-advice/eme
What’s the benefit of these towers to the community?
These towers will provide more high-quality and reliable mobile phone coverage. The additional mobile phone coverage will improve network connectivity as well as data speeds making the area safer in emergencies as well as more digitally connected.
In addition to the proposed tower at Crinigan Reserve, Morwell, Council will negotiate with the tenant for lighting to be upgraded on the main pitch at the Crinigan South Reserve soccer field.
In Calignee, Council will also negotiate with the tenant to install two large water tanks for the Callignee CFA to support the community.
Both projects are being fully funded by the tenants.
What happens to the towers once the lease is up?
At the expiry of the lease Council and the operator have the option to negotiate a new lease, or if new terms are unable to be reached the tenant will be required to remove their infrastructure and return the site to its original condition.
How have these sites been chosen?
These sites have been identified by the Federal Mobile Blackspot program which is designed to eliminate poor network areas across the community. Each of the operators have approached Council with these locations.
What is council intending to do with the rental returns received from the tenants?
The funds received from the telecommunication tower tenants will go into managing Council’s property portfolio