By Alesha Capone
A Tarneit mother has called for more testing of the 5G network to be done before it is rolled out across more of the state.
5G, the term used to describe the next-generation of mobile network technology, is available to some Telstra customers in 32 cities and regional areas across Australia.
Optus has also made the network available in some suburbs, including Hoppers Crossing, Laverton and Williams Landing.
Across the globe, there have been concerns about the potential health impacts of the 5G network.
Tarneit mother Katharine Butterworth said that, as someone with an open mind, she was “desperate for this 5G network to be stopped until further testing is completed”.
“I understand there are a lot of conflicting stories both backed scientifically and medically but that alone should be enough for this to be recognised as a serious concern to us all,” she said.
“Think of your own health and family, if not ours, and understand there’s too many opposing opinions at the least for this to go ahead.”
However, in January, Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Brendan Murphy issued a statement which said that 5G technology is safe.
“There is no evidence telecommunication technologies, such as 5G, cause adverse health impacts,” he said.
“This position is supported by health authorities in Australia – such as the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) – and around the world, such as the World Health Organization (WHO).”
