Community group opposes 5G proposal for Empire Bay

A community group opposed to the introduction of 5G mobile phone technology will host a question and answer session at Empire Bay Progress Hall at 2pm on August 3.

The Stop 5G Central Coast group is critical of an Optus proposal to install five new mobile phone base station small cell panel antennae on Ausgrid telephone poles in the area.

"Although (these are) currently planned as 4G, the short distances between the proposed five small cells in the area indicates the likelihood of future 5G technology installations by Optus," group member Ms Mariette Blackmore said.

"Science shows harmful effects due to short-wave radiation on humans, animals, birds, trees and insects.

"Children are the most vulnerable as they can absorb up to 60 per cent more radiation than adults.

"The 5G technology will utilise high frequency millimetre-wave radiation, which could be outside homes, schools, workplaces and hospitals, everywhere 24/7, with no escape from constant exposure."

With more than 600 members, Stop 5G Central Coast is concerned about the 5G roll out all over the region and the impact it will have on human health and the environment.

Group member Ms Jodi Donovan said: "People don't realise that due to the short distance these high frequency radio waves travel, radio transmitting cells are going to be installed in every street, outside houses, outside children's bedrooms, inside schools and there will be no way to escape it.

"It is worth noting that Brussels has banned 5G, and many other areas worldwide are considering their positions as evidence mounts around the danger of this radiation."

A spokesperson for Optus said there were no plans to upgrade the Empire Bay towers to 5G.

SOURCE

Media release, 15 Jul 2019

Mariette Blackmore, Stop 5G Central Coast

Media release, 29 Jul 2019

Jodi Donovan, Stop 5G Central Coast