Discussion Point

They're looking at amateur radio masts and antennas - yet again

Over the past 30 years in Australia a number of proposals, based mostly on ignorance and ill-founded emotive issues, that have sought to severely restrict amateur radio masts and antennas.

The same thing happens overseas too! On this issue, here is Jim Linton VK3PC with a report on not so good news from New Zealand and a more positive outlook in Canada.

The New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitters (NZART) is strongly opposing a proposal by the Waikato District, on New Zealand's north island, to set new limits on radio antennas and satellite dishes.

The plan includes limiting antenna heights in residential areas to 7.5 metres, imposing height controls based on the property size and limiting to three the number of antennas and/or antenna supports.

NZART President Peter Norden ZL2SJ in a submission to the Waikato District, describes proposals as failing to accommodate the reasonable requirements of radio amateurs. The submission points out that if adopted the proposals will have an adverse impact on the ability of
Amateur Radio to provide benefits to the wider community.

The NZART wants antenna support structures to be permitted up to 15 metres high and addresses a series of other concerns it has about the proposal.

Meantime in Canada, there has been an extensive review of its National Antenna Tower Policy.

In looking at antenna tower siting policies and approval procedures, it covered diverse subjects ranging from electromagnetic radiation, impact on property values and concerns about bird collision with towers and antennas.

A review outcome report includes a recommendation, that a flexible and expeditious approval process be established, for amateur radio towers, likely to have only a modest and localised impact on their surroundings.

Now that sounds promising!

Jim Linton VK3PC

Source: Wireless Institute of Australia

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