Rising fury on tower

Torquay health fears

A GROUP of residents are rallying against a telecommunications tower proposed to be built in the heart of a Torquay residential development.

Telstra has defended the placement of the tower, which it hopes will ease strain on the network over busy summer periods.

Resident and allied health professional Julie Fitzpatrick said service in The Quay was already fine over summer, and that the proposal put holidaymakers before residents.

“It seems ludicrous to have a phone tower offered here when we have never had any issues at all with phone reception,” Ms Fitzpatrick said.

“The argument about the summer period is ridiculous. They should be worrying about the health of people who live here all year round, not holiday-makers here for a couple of weeks.”

More than 40 people have joined online group The Quay versus Telstra Tower(s) to discuss concerns and action against the application.

Telstra area general manager Loretta Willaton said the tower proposal was in response to increased growth in the area and the subsequent strain on the network.

“This is a growing demand for connectivity in the region and this proposed tower location is designed to provide the additional mobile capacity to service the fast-growing eastern region of Torquay,” Ms Willaton said.

“A number of factors influence the exact location of a mobile base station, including site acquisition, technical feasibility and relevant government approvals.

“In addition to taking these factors into account, we always seek to place our infrastructure where it will deliver the best coverage.”

Building biologist Raphael Siket, whose home is about 350m from the site, has also raised concerns over the potential health effects. Mr Siket said the signal was already satisfactory.

“The advantage of a potentially better mobile phone signal over summer at the cost of 24 hours-a-day exposure to elevated radiofrequency electromagnetic fields for my children and my family is nonsensical.”

Ms Willaton said Telstra was very conscious about the health and safety of communities when undertaking network improvements.

“We ensure our wireless networks are designed to comply with the EME safety standards set by the Australian Radiation and Nuclear Safety Agency,” she said.