Environmental Task Group and The Rollout of 5G

The 5049 Environmental Task group have been reviewing the potential impacts of the proposed 5G rollout in Australia. There are many differing views on this matter. However we are aware of some concerns in the community as to date it is understood that there have been no Australian Government led safety studies or plans to do any.  We thought we would share our findings and see if the community has views on this matter. For those who would like to know more or be involved in a small subgroup on 5G read on.

Background 
Dr Stephen Carthew, a 5049 resident and social scientist, asked if the Association would raise awareness of 5G rollout with our community, then joined the Environmental Task Group to assist with this. Stephen is concerned about the health effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMF) from mobile network technology.

Telstra, Optus and Vodafone are rolling out 5G transmitters in the Adelaide area and will put these in the 5049 area in the near future. 3G and 4G, the earlier generations, will continue to be used as well.

5G 

• 5G signifies “5th generation” wireless technology. It should provide faster and higher transmission capacity that will allow the Internet of Things (IoT), driverless cars, and faster video streaming. 
• The 5G network uses higher frequency radio waves with shorter wavelengths so  they are more easily blocked by objects and as a result  there will be small transmitters on every other light post and stobie pole – in front of homes, parks, schools etc. 

To date it is understood that there have been no Australian Government led safety studies or plans to do any.

Links 
Here are some links to useful information on this issue: 

New South Australian group, Safe EMF Education Network. SEEN, informs the community:

Research by the independent, non-industry funded scientific community Environmental Health Trust.

An article re the impact of 5G on migratory birds and bees in Newsweek.

Sites that say EMF is safe (although 5G has had very little research to prove its safety):
www.health.gov.au
www.cancer.gov
www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

Conclusion 
The Precautionary Principle developed by UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) states that “When human activities may lead to morally unacceptable harm that is scientifically plausible but uncertain, actions shall be taken to avoid or diminish that harm.” 

Many communities worldwide have used the precautionary principle to request a moratorium on 5G rollout in their area or are doing so: Brussels, Geneva, Florence, parts of Sydney, Byron Bay, parts of the Gold Coast, California, Finland, Poland etc. This encourages further research on 5G. 

The 5049 Coastal Community Association is aware that the potential impact of 5G is as yet unknown. However, there is sufficient evidence to raise the issue with the community by providing information for people to form a view. 

5049 Environmental Task Group would like to gauge community attitudes to 5G. If you want to find out more about 5G or to join a subgroup to pursue a potential moratorium, please contact Stephen Carthew (task group member and 5G lead) at scarthew47@gmail.com (please cc 5049communicator@gmail.com) or phone Stephen on 83773495.