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Research and studies show evidence of a link between electromagnetic exposure and cancers.
I will not try and list them — there are far too many and a simple Google search can bring
dozes of them up. But, as an example, a study involving the University of Tasmania found
children living within 300m of high voltage powerlines were five times more likely to
develop cancer and three times more likely if they lived within that range at any time up to
the age of 15.

Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency’s own published resources
acknowledge the potential risks posed by long term electromagnetic exposure. ARPANSA’s
Electricity and Health fact sheet says:

“.. there are some epidemiological (population) studies that have reported a possible
association between prolonged exposure to ELF magnetic fields at levels below the exposure
limits but higher than what is typically encountered and increased rates of childhood
leukaemia. Based largely on this limited evidence the International Agency for Research on
Cancer has classified ELF magnetic fields as possibly carcinogenic to humans.”

Given there are studies pointing to risks of long term electromagnetic exposure, and research
is still being carried out in this field, there are no guaranteed assurances that long term
electromagnetic exposure is safe. I believe it would be negligent of any authority to condone
the placement of a wireless network facility in the area proposed by Aurecon and the NBN.

As it is, a high voltage powerline easement runs through my property and high voltage
powerlines exist within 300m of my house.

Given I already face this risk with my property, I am concerned about the effect of additional
long term electromagnetic exposure if a telecommunications facility is also erected within
similar proximity.

I have attempted to find research about the effects of long-term electromagnetic exposure
from the combined sources of high voltage powerlines and “fixed wireless” facilities. But
given they are still researching the effects of these individual sources, it appears no-one has
yet looked at the combined effect. One would have to assume that the risk would be
compounded rather than improved.

Research suggests electromagnetic exposure can be reduced or interrupted by trees or
buildings. Maps supplied by Aurecon show very few trees between the proposed “fixed
wireless” facility and my property.

Because the proposed tower is uphill from my property, and because of an electricity
easement running through my property, I am limited in being able to effectively “plant out”
or build to protect myself, my tenants, or livestock or other animals on the property.

The council cannot be 100% sure that there will be no health risks associated with the
placement of a “fixed wireless” facility as proposed at 249 Schreibers Rd, Cooran, and on
that basis alone, should not approve or condone the proposal.

Visual impact and aesthetics

As mentioned, my property is downhill from the proposed “fixed wireless” facility.