NBN tower for Nimbin approved by council

LISMORE City Council has consented to the development of a 40m high NBN Co fixed wireless broadband tower at Nimbin, noting a “limited number” of opposing public submissions.

LISMORE City Council has consented to the development of a 40m high NBN Co fixed wireless broadband tower at Nimbin, noting a "limited number" of opposing public submissions.

But according to the council's meeting agenda for July 8, the project, located at Nimbin Showgrounds, is subject to a range of conditions.

For example, the tower must be painted or constructed in a colour assimilating with the landscape, it must not emit offensive noise and soil erosion and sediment control must be maintained.

A number of submissions raised concerns about potentially harmful electromagnetic energy and radiation emitted from the tower.

Gerhard Weihermann submitted that: "The technology is outdated and toxic to everyone's health. There are already class actions going on in Canada and Europe with councils mopping up the huge costs and courts ordering the immediate removal of towers".

The council attempted to quell those concerns.

"The report concludes that 'the maximum cumulative EME (electromagnetic energy) level at 1.5m above ground level is estimated to be 0.042% of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency public exposure limits'," a report to councillors says states.

Other submissions against the tower's construction included preferences towards fibre optic technology, concerns about visual impact, limited service reach and insufficient community consultation.

A joint, unsigned letter from 20 people raised concerns military transmitters and police surveillance technology would eventually adorn the tower.

The council said the issue was not relevant to the current application, but that co-location was a possibility in future due to state legislation and development guidelines."