Lake Macquarie council met last night to discuss the fate of a proposed monopole to be errected on Bulls Garden Road.
The 35 meter receiver will strengthen surrounding Optus and Vodafone services but residents have expressed concern over the visual impact, disruption to wildlife's natural habitat and potential health risks associated with radio-frequency electromagnetic energy emitted.
It was concluded that issues raised by the public during the meeting held no merit of sufficient weight to warrant a refusal of the application into a site inspection.
The Council claims the telecommunications facility's purpose to improve businesses functionality and safety within the Gateshead area is too important to ignore; Mayor Cr Fraser confirming "We have a responsibility to hear those [residents] concerns, but also enabling better mobile phone coverage, particularly in emergencies".
Notes taken from the meeting discuss how health risks associated with the tower, although recognised, have been mitigated to acceptable levels through proposed safety measurements set in place.
The social implications were also concluded to be unimportant as the nature of the proposed infrastructure is categorized as critical. The improved cellular service will support emergency communications and provide clarity within warnings broadcasted to the community.
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| The proposed location of a 37-metre mobile phone tower |
