By Jed Lanyon
Badger Creek residents have taken aim at a new mobile tower constructed in the area, creating a petition demanding its removal.
Over 200 residents signed the petition, citing that the 35 metre structure on Badger Creek Road obstructs views of the area. The tower was constructed by Optus as part of the state government’s Mobile Black Spot program.
“Residents of Badger Creek should not have their views obstructed by this needless piece of equipment,” the petition read. “Badger Creek is a picturesque location with tens of thousands of visitors each year and the installation of the tower has degraded the area.”
The petition lists the primary concern of the tower being the exposure to electromagnetic emissions (EME) to the local community and in particular for nearby Badger Creek Primary School, Badger Creek Kinder and Healesville Sanctuary.
An Optus spokesperson told the Mail, “Optus recognises the importance of mobile coverage for safety in regional Australia and as a result has invested in a new tower in Badger Creek which eliminates a Mobile Black Spot in the area.
“We understand that some people have concerns about the safety of mobile networks and their proximity to the community. Optus has consulted with local residents and met all the requirements of the relevant deployment code and we are reviewing submissions received by the local community.
“The industry relies on regulators like the Australian Communications Media Authority (ACMA) and Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) for establishing these telecommunications regulations and all mobile sites must comply with strict regulations and rules regarding the safety of mobile transmissions.
“Electromagnetic energy levels must comply with strict independent regulations. We regularly report and are subject to independent testing.”
ARPANSA establishes the general public radiation exposure levels, which apply to children and the elderly. If ACMA finds that a carrier has failed to meet their licence conditions, the carrier could be subject to court proceedings and face significant penalties.
More information on EME levels from the Optus tower in Badger Creek can be found at www.rfnsa.com.au/3777012.
