REINING IN THE MOBILE PHONE TOWER MONSTERS
Press release from Andrew Wilkie’s office
September 13 2011
REINING IN THE MOBILE PHONE TOWER MONSTERS
The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, has acted to give the community a greater say on the building of mobile phone towers.
Mr Wilkie today formally gave notice to Federal Parliament of his Private Members Bill for an Act to enhance community consultation in relation to the development of telecommunications facilities.
“I think the telecommunications industry has too much autonomy when siting and constructing mobile phone towers with the result that legitimate community concerns are often not addressed,” he said.
“That”™s why I am looking to amend the Telecommunications Act. The proposed Optus tower in Sandy Bay is a good example of the problem and need for legislative reform. Members of the community should not have to hold public rallies and lobby politicians just to be heard.”™”™
Mr Wilkie”™s Telecommunications Amendment (Enhancing Community Consultation) Bill 2011 would give people within a 500m radius of proposed towers the right to lodge a complaint, extend the objection period from 10 to 30 business days and require poles and aerials to be viewed holistically when assessed.
FURTHER INFORMATION: Philippa Duncan 0428 528 673 Philippa.Duncan@aph.gov.au
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