Community forum coming to Shire of Denmark next week after health concerns raised over 5G technology

The Shire of Denmark will host a community forum with Telstra representatives next week after residents raised concerns about 5G technology. Standing for fifth generation technology, 5G aims to provide quick downloads and greater connectivity for devices. Australia’s chief medical officer Professor Brendan Murphy issued a public statement last year to “reassure the community that 5G technology is safe”. “There is no evidence telecommunication technologies such as 5G cause adverse health impacts,” Professor Murphy said. But despite the reassurances, some remain sceptical about the technology. At the Shire’s July council meeting, two Denmark Senior High School students gave a presentation about the potential dangers of 5G. “5G can cause...serious migraines, cancer in the central nervous system, cellular stress, a decrease in white blood cells,” one of the slides used in the presentation read. “5G has the potential to interfere with bee pollination... after 5G was introduced, the bees built less comb and found it harder to navigate their way home,” another slide read.Shire chief executive David Schober said next Thursday’s forum in the Shire reception room would help address questions about telecommunications services and infrastructure. He said the council resolved in June to invite Telstra to a community forum. “The Shire receives questions from our community about 5G technology and telecommunications infrastructure in our shire generally,” he said. “We have also had some presentations to council from community members concerned specifically about 5G technology recently. “It’s for Telstra to speak as to whether concerns about 5G technology are justified.” Telstra WA regional general manager Boyd Brown said technology was unlocking new devices and programs to help residents and businesses connect. “This forum will enable Telstra to provide more information and details on what’s now on offer as well as listen to the community on how we can support them,” Mr Brown said. The forum is scheduled to run from 5-7pm on Thursday. Attendees are required to register in advance. Visit bit.ly/3xFUGWm.