Group seeks 5G moratorium for shire

A group of concerned residents have banded together seeking council support to investigate 5G technology before it is established in the shire.

Margaret River Says No To 5G spokeswoman Rachael Foulsham wrote to councillors last week asking for the same moratorium the Byron Bay council gave to residents alarmed by 5G.

Ms Foulsham, pictured, told the Times there was strong local membership for the group, with many residents concerned about the fast uptake of 5G technology without more research.

“At this stage we are taking proactive action as there has been no confirmation of development applications or proposals for specific 5G infrastructure in (the) shire,” she said.

“But it won’t be far off. In our group we currently have 483 members, which is amazing as the group was only started on March 30.”

Cowaramup resident Krystal Wilkie raised concerns with the Times about 5G earlier this year, saying local people had the chance to take informed action before 5G sites were opened within the shire.

“This is a campaign fighting for our community’s rights and choice,” she said.

“We are not guinea pigs and we are not raising guinea pigs.

“Councillors have a duty to consider this petition and a duty to hear our voice.”

Shire president Ian Earl said if a petition was presented, councillors would consider it.

He did not have personal concerns about the new technology.

He also noted telecommunications companies did not require development approval when adding 5G units to existing towers.

“There’s nothing more we can do if they are putting 5G on their towers — they are entitled to,” Cr Earl said.

Ms Foulsham said last month’s news of live 5G towers activated in the City of Busselton triggered the local campaign based on health concerns.

“We are not against advances in technology or having faster internet connections,” she said.

“We just don’t want it at such a high cost to people’s health and the environment.

“The residents of the Augusta-Margaret River shire need to know that silence is consent to 5G, so if they have doubts, then they need to make themselves heard.”

The group’s campaign page was pulled by GoFundMe, but residents who wanted to get involved could contact margaretriversaysnoto5g@hotmail.com and request the petition form.