VCAT rejects phone tower radiation argument Phone towers raise fears with residents. RESIDENTS have been warned not to waste time raising issues about radiation from mobile phone towers with the state planning tribunal. The Victorian Civil and ­Administrative Tribunal says it is not a forum for addressing all issues of social or community concern and can only work within the planning rules. VCAT deputy president Mark Dwyer said there was no point complaining to the tribunal about electromagnetic radiation from telecommunications towers when the regulatory standard for emissions had been met. "It is not the role of VCAT to second-guess the expert authorities that regulate the area," Mr Dwyer said. Accordingly, VCAT is not the appropriate forum where generalised opposition to telecommunications facilities based on public health concerns can or should be raised. "It is a waste of the parties' and the tribunal's resources as, ultimately, VCAT is essentially bound to apply the (Australian Communications and Media Authority) standard," he said. Mr Dwyer's ruling was in response to objectors who are seeking a review of the City of Greater Geelong's decision to give Telstra a permit for a ­mobile phone tower in Hamlyn Heights. He said that grounds of ­objection, such as the visual impact of the tower were ­legitimate planning issues, but struck out their concerns about radiation. "Allowing objectors to continue to air their concerns about electromagnetic radiation at a VCAT hearing creates false expectations about the role of VCAT and the ambit of its discretion, and the extent to which it can realistically deal with such issues," he said. Objectors' spokesman and local resident Steve Mason declined to comment on the ruling. Greater Geelong Council resolved last month not to enter into a lease for the Telstra tower at Hamlyn Park pending public feedback. The hearing is due to be held in March.