The telecommunications pole consists of macro cells that are required to deliver 5G technology. The height of the

telecommunications pole allows for the macro cells to emit frequency signals over a large area.

You can read more at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the

Arts website www.infrastructure.gov.au/media‐communications‐arts/spectrum/5g‐and‐eme

To ensure everyone across Knox has good access to technology, telecommunications towers need to be spread across the municipality. There are many things taken into consideration when selecting locations including nearby obstructions such as buildings and hills. Parks and sportsgrounds are commonly selected as locations.

If the proposed lease goes ahead, Council will receive an income of $24,000 per annum increasing annually by 3.5%. Income earned from the lease will be managed through the annual budget process, which is informed by the Council Plan 2021‐2025.

There is no evidence to suggest 5G is harmful to human health. You can read more at

• www.infrastructure.gov.au/media‐centre/fact‐or‐fic...
• www.arpansa.gov.au – search ‘general questions on electromagnetic fields’

Further information about 5G technology, RF EME and mobile base stations can be sourced from the following websites:

• Australian Communications and Media Authority, www.acma.gov.au
• Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, www.arpansa.gov.au
• Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, www.infrastructure.gov.au

• Radio Frequency National Archive Site, www.rfnsa.com.au

Knox Council is inviting community feedback on the lease proposal until 26 March. After the community engagement closes, Council will review all submissions. The report will be presented at the Council meeting on 22 May for a decision on the proposed lease.

If the lease proposal is approved by Council, Telstra is required to apply for a Planning Permit. Their Planning Permit application will be assessed, and if required, publicly advertised. If the Planning Permit is approved, the works to install and remove the poles can commence.

Reference: Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts

5G has been described as a "game changer" and there's a lot of information and opinions about it. Some of it is accurate but a lot of it isn't.

To help you separate fact from fiction we have taken a closer look at five of the 5G myths circulating today.

Myth: 5G is an untested, new technology

Fact: The technology 5G relies on is not new; it is integral to our lives and is tested in line with strict international safety standards.

Myth: 5G is harmful to human health

Fact: There is no evidence to suggest 5G is harmful to human health.

Myth: 5G uses higher frequencies which means higher radiation levels

Fact: 5G will operate using higher frequencies and generate lower levels of electromagnetic energy.

Myth: Electromagnetic energy is only emitted from telecommunications facilities

Fact: Electromagnetic energy is emitted from a number of natural and artificial sources including but not limited to telecommunications.

Myth: All electromagnetic energy is dangerous

Fact: Some electromagnetic energy may be dangerous in some circumstances but not that used for telecommunications.

Reference: Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts

There is a lot of misinformation about Electromagnetic Energy (EME) circulating at the moment. To help you separate fact from fiction, we’ve busted the most common EME myths.

Myth: EME is only emitted by telecommunications devices

Fact: Many products, devices and systems in your home emit the same type of EME that’s used in telecommunications. Basically, anything that’s wireless like your TV, radio or laptop emits EME. It’s also emitted by natural sources like the sun and the earth’s atmosphere.

Myth: We’ll be exposed to more EME once the 5G network is fully rolled out

While the rollout of 5G can mean a greater density of telecommunications infrastructure will be deployed in our communities (often referred to as small cells), this does not mean we will be exposed to more EME from this equipment.

The levels of EME emissions from telecommunications devices and infrastructure must be below the levels applied in the standard for Maximum Exposure Levels of RF EME from 100 kHz to 300 GHz set by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA).

Myth: 5G is a new technology we don’t fully understand

Fact: The basic principle of wireless communication is simple and hasn’t changed in 100 years. 5G refers to the ‘fifth generation’ of mobile technology. It’s not a matter of reinventing the wheel. It uses the same principles and the same type of EME as previous generations – 4G, 3G, 2G and 1G.

5G currently runs on frequencies that are very similar to the 4G network. It will eventually move to higher frequencies, however, the intensity of the exposure is still well within what is considered safe.