The controversial roll-out of Telstra’s 5G network across the Shire has taken another step forward, with the announcement of a new proposed installation in the heart of Byron Bay. As opposition to the upgrades continues to boil, the telco announced its intention to upgrade its existing mobile tower on the corner of Fletcher Street and Williams Lanein last week’s advertisment in The Echo. That announcement also invited the community to make written submissions in relation to the plan. Yet the submission process has been criticised as a token gesture rather than genuine consultation, with Telstra yet to answer questions from The Echo regarding the degree to which community submissions are taken into account.
8 Acacia St site approved
5G opponents have expressed anger and dismay at the latest proposed installation, which is the eleventh proposed 5G upgrade in the Shire. ‘Byron Bay PS is just 300 metres from this tower,’ safe technology activist Rinat Strahlhofer said. ‘Of all the 11 proposed 5G upgrades, five are within a 500m radius of a school or child care centre, which goes against Department of Education policy’.
