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The Issue - Primary Message
| Key Message 1: We’re not against technology. EMR is in our everyday lives |
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- Whilst the EMR from sources such as TV stations will vary from area to area, Telstra advise the EMR from TV stations makes up 94% of the EMR in Bardon whilst phone towers only 6%. This conveniently avoids the issue that the effect on the body may be very different.
- Telephone signals are pulsed, where as TV and radio signals are continuous. There are also significant differences in the frequency phones (800-900Mz, 1800 MHz and higher), TV (50-300 MHz) and radio (FM is around 100 MHz) operate.
- It is the high frequency and pulsing action of the EMR from mobile phone technology that can potentially have greater non-thermal biological effects on the body at cellular level,
- EMR from TV antennas have been part of our lives since before we were born, as a result the long term effects on the body are known.
- Mobile phone technology is in its infancy, long term effects are unknown
- It has been predicted that the high frequency pulsed signals from mobile phone technology may cause adverse cellular effects on the body. Particularly the bodies of growing children and the elderly
- There have been no very long term studies completed on this, and no studies of any kind on children. This is why we recommend a precautionary approach in the siting of base stations near schools and other sensitive locations.
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| Key Message 2: Need to take a Precautionary Approach in siting base stations near community sensitive locations |
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- There have been no long term studies on the effect of EMR on children
- Long term effects of this technology on growing children is unknown
- Current legislation and industry codes advocate adopting a precautionary approach, to siting base stations near community sensitive sites, such as schools
- A large number of children live and go to school in the residential area, as such will be exposed to EMR from mobile phone base stations 24/7
- telecommunication companies cannot guarantee the future health of our children,
- We don't want to have another James Hardie situation in 30 years' time
- We know an increasing number of telecommunication companies are unable to obtain insurance for the effects of EMR. Telstra have been unable to confirm whether they have insurance to cover any future claims.
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| Key Message 3: National Legislation Out of date and needs to be changed |
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- Current legislation drafted in 1997 when Telstra was owned by the government, who was seeking to roll out a national mobile phone network.
- Australia’s mobile phone network is now in place,
- The current legislation gives significant power to what is now a private corporation to enter Australian homes, place their base station on the roof against the owners wishes, a right that we understand has been exercised several (4) times in 2009 alone
- This is a National issue. We're aware of over 100 other communities throughout the country in every State and in the Northern Territory who are going through, or have battled, this same issue
- NTNS believe legislation should be changed to
- Allow ministerial discretion to intervene in proposed base stations that are of concern to the community (eg near schools or environmentally sensitive sites),
- Reduce emissions near sensitive sites, by limiting the size of facilities
- Remove the power of schedule 3 in regards to the siting of towers without owners consent
- Increase federal government governance regulating the application of the industry code for siting base stations by telecommunication companies
- Additional powers for the ACMA against telecommunication companies who breach the industry code (eg fines, penalties, commission independent advice, remove etc)
- The roll out of the National Broadband Network provides a perfect opportunity to review current legislation and research, to adopt a precautionary approach.
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