Incorrect development data concerns Bundaberg councillor
A controversial telecommunication tower development decision went down to the wire in Bundaberg with a councillor revealing her fears for its proximity to homes.
Bundaberg
Don't miss out on the headlines from Bundaberg. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A new telecommunications facility in Bundaberg has been approved despite a councillor’s grave concerns for its proximity to homes and resident safety.
At a regular meeting on Monday April 26, 2023 the Bundaberg Regional Council voted to approve Optus’ bid for a telecommunications tower at 67 Bells Rd, Woongarra.
The approval was despite councillor Tracey McPhee’s calls for its rejection, citing concerns about resident safety and what she claimed were inaccuracies in the report.
“As a counsellor I should have complete faith in the information presented in an officer’s report,” she said.
“I am called to make decisions based on this information and am unable to make an informed decision if I don’t have the information.”
She claimed the report failed to include correct information relating to the number of houses which would fall within 400 meters of the tower’s location.
It is recommended for such towers to be more than 400m away from homes.
The application listed four homes that were less than 400m away from the tower’s proposed location, with the closest being 103m away.
Ms McPhee said governing bodies including the federal government agency related to electromagnetic radiation admitted more research was necessary into possible health impacts.
“Can we provide scientific certainty this development won’t have adverse health effects on our residents?” she said.
A council officer’s report presented to councillors recommended the application’s approval.
It said the facility was more than 100m from the nearest home and “suitably buffered” to protect visual amenity.
It said it was also supported by an Electromagnetic Energy report which found it was compliant with relevant standards to ensure no adverse health impacts.
Ms McPhee reflected on previously accepted practices which led to extreme health impacts for people, such as the use of asbestos and cigarettes.
She urged its rejection and for the council to ensure a 400m distance remain a rigid boundary in Bundaberg.
Ms McPhee pointed out a 115 signature petition was also not included in the report.
Councillors voted six to five to approve the development application, allowing construction to start.
Ms McPhee, Jason Bartels, Greg Barnes, Tanya McLoughlin and May Mitchell voted against it while Mayor Jack Dempsey and councillors Bill Trevor, Wayne Honor, Vince Habermann, Steve Cooper and John Learmonth were in favour.
More Coverage
Originally published as Incorrect development data concerns Bundaberg councillor
Woman taken to hospital after two-vehicle Bundaberg crash
A young woman has been rushed to hospital following a two-vehicle crash in a Bundaberg suburb last night.
The Palaszczuk supporters who have abandoned Steven Miles
An exclusive Courier-Mail poll reveals many of the voters who helped an Annastacia Palaszczuk-led Labor secure victory at the last state election have returned to the LNP.
Who won week three? Watch most BRUTAL Voter Verdict yet
The Courier-Mail’s Voter Verdict have weighed in on the third week of the election campaign with a brutal assessment of both leaders. But who won the week?
Premier vows to open 10 new police beats despite 42 closing
Steven Miles will attempt to open 10 new police beats if elected, despite 42 beats closing since Labor has been in power, something the Premier says was a police service decision.
‘He had no chance’: Moment wife knew husband had been killed on hwy
On hearing a motorbike and truck had crashed on the Bruce Hwy, a Qld woman desperately dialled the Bluetooth on her husband’s helmet, waiting for the answer that would never come.
200+ percent increase: Shock stolen car statistics across Wide Bay
Since 2015, the number of stolen cars has reportedly increased by 275 per cent in Bundaberg, 228 per cent in Hervey Bay and 279 per cent in Maryborough.