Update – Proposed Optus Towers in Balmoral & Hawthorne

In response to local residents voicing their concern about proposed Optus Towers in Balmoral (corner Kuranda Street and Fifth Avenue) and Hawthorne (Blackheath Ave), Optus has advised a Community Information/Consultation Day will be held in the near future (date to be advised). It is still not too late to sign the online petition: http://www.vmessage.com.au/_r/s.cfm?sv=5863&c=1002

We understand that the purpose of the event will be to:

• Explain all of the options previously considered by Optus to increase telecommunications coverage in the identified areas;
• Allow residents to suggest further alternatives; and
• Provide residents the opportunity to obtain detailed responses to any questions they might have on the technical or other aspects of the proposed towers.

Some of your comments so far:

“The proposal to place this tower in a residential area with a high population of young children is outrageous enough; the deceptive and duplicitous conduct by Optus in attempting to ‘sell’ its ‘benefits’ to and understate its impact on the residents is completely despicable.”

“I cannot believe that there is no regard for the residents in Fifth Ave. As a ratepayer paying 1,200 PER QUARTER rates I object very strongly to this tower, especially seeing it is so close to the homes. There are several other high spots this tower could be placed that would not infringe on these homes. There is no other state in Australia where they would place a tower of this nature in a area of this calibre with no regard for the residents health & property values. This tower must not be built here and we must all unite in fighting it!”

 ”This is a health risk to all that live in this community especially the people directly effected who have young children. Big companies need to listen to what the people living in the area have to say and their concerns.”

“They should NOT be allowed to put these in front of people’s homes. This would be disgraceful and we will all cancel our contracts with Optus if they try.”

“I strongly recommend the the proposed Optus Tower do not go ahead in this residential areas because of:
1. Significant medical evidence suggests that the radiation from these antennas is particularly dangerous to children within a 500m radius from the tower. We have no less than 4 schools and well-frequented parks within between 250m and 500m of the proposed new antenna.
2. Sts Peter and Pauls School is approx. 350 metres away from this proposed facility.
3. Radiation absorption by a 5-10 year old is significantly higher than an adult given their skulls are continuing to develop.”

“This precinct will be blighted by the proposed tower and facility. Please do not build it in this location.”

“Please reconsider this installation to an area away from residential homes. It is also well within 500m of at least two, possibly three schools.”

“I am opposed to any more towers in our area. They are unsightly and their safety is questionable.”

“I cannot believe that with all the other spots for this tower they pick 5th avenue – incase no one has noticed 5th avenue is very much a full residential street – not even blocks of units are allowed in this street. The resident here pay very high rates – our rates $857.00 PER QUARTER – PLUS over 200 in utilities per quarter – it is disgusting to even comprehend what genius thought so little of this area and it’s people. There are large hills at the side of Colmslie street in the industrial area that I am sure would suit this tower – we will be opposing this to the fullest – I am still in shock that this has even got to this level.”

Melanie has lived in the local area for 16 years. As the founder and editor of Bulimba Connect, she enjoys entrepreneurship and small business. She has run a retail shop on Riding Road, Balmoral, as well as a marketing and web development business. She has also worked at the corporate end of town in marketing, web management and training roles. Mel holds a Masters degree in Business and is the mother of three small children, aged 6, 4 and 15 months, and tries to squeeze in time for reading and renovating.

Melanie Phillips

View all posts by Melanie Phillips
Melanies website