For Caves Beach locals, good phone reception has always been an enigma. So when Telstra announced it was looking to build a mobile phone tower in the area, it was welcome news for many residents.
However, residents were soon left frustrated by the proposed tower as it was destined to be built within very close proximity to many homes in the area along Scenic Drive.
Lake Macquarie council will tonight vote on whether to allow the development to happen, and there are many opposed to the towers proposed location.
Councillor John Gilbert says the area sorely needs mobile reception, but building the tower here may pose a potential health risk.
"There is evidence that people have contracted diseases and gotten sick as a direct result from proximity to mobile phone towers", he said.
There are several homes within 50 metres of the proposed site and others within a few hundred metres, well inside the exposure radius.
"This is a case of Telstra putting money before people", Mr Gilbert said. "They had the option to build the tower 500 metres back away from houses but that would of cost more money".
The vote is expected to be a very interesting one, with polarizing views of the matter at council, but Mr Gilbert is hopeful the vote will return with no and they can discuss building the tower elsewhere.
