A TELCO has denied there are any health risks associated with network towers.
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A National Broadband Network (NBN) tower planned for North Batemans Bay has attracted opposition from some residents, with some alleging such towers pose a risk to health.
However, NBN Co has tried to allay concerns.
Ericsson community relations officer Jacqueline Crompton represented NBN Co at Eurobodalla Shire Council on Tuesday.
In reply to a comment that towers were recommended to be built at least 500 metres from schools, Ms Crompton said many schools had towers within their grounds.
“There is no scientific or legal grounds for health affects (caused by the tower),” she said.
She assured the community it was “not just a matter of getting our toe over the line” when it came to health and safety implications.
Ms Crompton said Malua Bay and Nelligen relied upon a tower to get the NBN service.
“We don’t take this lightly,” she said.
Ms Crompton said moving the tower back to appease residents was not a simple matter.
“If we could have, we would have located it further away,” she said.
“Moving it back would mean a 50m lattice tower, which would not improve visual intrusion.
“A larger tower is not a better planning outcome.”
She said the proposed location was selected because it required minimal vegetation clearing.
Cr Milton Leslight asked if Ms Crompton believed the community had been properly consulted.
Ms Crompton admitted a formal consultation session with North Batemans Bay residents should have been organised.
“I don’t believe there is a scope to propose a better proposal here,” she said.
“The best we can do is reassure them (the community) of the legislation we follow.”
Cr Liz Innes said she would like to see a montage of the proposed tower.
All councillors voted to defer a decision until December 9.