PORT Stephens Council’s investigation into the large electrical cabinets appearing across Medowie and surrounding suburbs is ongoing, with the operator still yet to provide clear information about the purpose or contents of the units.
Council previously confirmed the boxes were installed without prior notification and that, during a meeting with the company believed to be responsible, staff were not given any details about what was inside the cabinets.
The matter has since been escalated, with Council seeking legal advice and requesting that federal authorities review the operator’s telecommunications licence.
Several of the boxes display a contact number intended for public inquiries.
News Of The Area has called this number daily throughout the past week. Each call goes directly to an answering machine and, although the recorded message states that calls will be returned, no response has been received. Residents have reported the same experience.
News Of The Area sought comment from Port Stephens MP Kate Washington. Her office confirmed that Ms Washington did not hold any additional information on the boxes and that telecommunications matters fell under federal responsibility.
Research conducted independently by News Of The Area suggests the boxes have been rolled out on road reserves and thus fall under the federal Telecommunications Act 1997.
This legislation grants licensed carriers the right to install certain types of telecommunications infrastructure on public land.
Due to what may be perceived as a regulatory loophole, the carriers do not require local council planning approval, public consultation, or prior resident notification.
News Of The Area contacted the Federal Member for Paterson, Meryl Swanson MP for clarification on the matter but was still awaiting a response when this newspaper went into production.
News of The Area will continue to seek definitive answers.
Anyone with experiences or information please reach out to ruby@newsofthearea.com.au
By Ruby VAN DE WIJGAART
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