John Murphy (Reid, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Today I highlight Telstra’s conduct in my local community concerning the installation of a low-impact facility at Cabarita Road, Cabarita. Constituents affected by the facility have been very frustrated—indeed, infuriated—with Telstra’s very hasty and unsuccessful community consultation process. In multiple emails and conversations between me and my office and my constituents, my constituents have convinced me that Telstra have ignored real community concerns about serious health and amenity impacts, as displayed in the very brief and tardy responses residents received from Telstra in response to their concerns. One very serious concern was Telstra’s refusal to investigate further alternative locations for the low-impact facility, including co-locating the facility, despite strong objections to the community-sensitive location.

Over 160 residents opposed the tower on Cabarita Road. Despite significant concerns and numerous objections, Telstra have advised residents that they will proceed with the facility and assert they have complied with the act and the code. Today I voice my outrage in this House on behalf of my constituents about the apparent lack of concern shown by Telstra through the consultation process and I again call on Telstra to review its decision immediately.