A proposed 5G tower in Ainslie has sparked intense opposition, with local residents and conservationists taking direct action to prevent its construction. The controversy escalated when Friends of Ainslie Volcanic Grasslands member Amy Blain was arrested after staging a sit-down protest to block test drilling at the site, located at Limestone Avenue and Quick Street.
Growing Opposition to 5G Tower Construction
The protest group argues that the 28-meter-high tower, approved for Optus and Vodafone by Indara Communications, threatens the restoration efforts of native grasslands—a project backed by government funding. The group has launched a media campaign demanding a reversal of the decision, citing concerns over environmental preservation and the lack of a review process through the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Amy Blain was taken into custody and charged with breaching the exclusion zone, receiving an order prohibiting her from approaching the site within 50 meters until her court hearing on March 25. Despite this, the group remains committed to ongoing resistance and warns of further demonstrations.
Political and Community Support
The movement has gained backing from the ACT Greens and Independent MLA Thomas Emerson, with Greens leader Shane Rattenbury criticizing the ACT Labor Government for allegedly breaking a promise to protect the site. He emphasized that during post-election negotiations, the Greens secured an agreement to safeguard the Ainslie Volcanic Grasslands—an agreement he now claims has been disregarded.
Concerns Over Planning and Consultation
Local residents argue that placing a 5G tower just 50 meters from homes sets a dangerous precedent for future mobile infrastructure development across Canberra. Convenor of Friends of Ainslie Volcanic Grasslands, Marianne Albury-Colless, stressed that this issue goes beyond a simple NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) debate, stating:
“This is about protecting our front yards. From a planning perspective, this decision could open the floodgates for towers to be placed anywhere within 50 meters of residential homes, without any real say from the community.”
She also criticized the planning laws, stating that the current system allows these developments to move forward with minimal oversight, ignoring environmental standards and public concerns. The group has suggested an alternative, more secluded location near Ainslie Village, which Indara Communications has deemed unfeasible.
Calls for Transparency and Action
The community remains frustrated with what they describe as a flawed consultation process. Albury-Colless stated that their objections were dismissed outright, calling for clear policies and legislation to guide future telecommunications infrastructure projects rather than allowing piecemeal approvals.
After her release, Amy Blain reiterated the imbalance of power, stating:
“Environmental defenders are being ignored while large corporations push forward unchecked. The fact that I was arrested for protecting a government-supported restoration project shows where priorities lie.”
She called for further engagement from local authorities, urging decision-makers to visit the site and witness firsthand why the community is pushing back so strongly.
What’s Next?
As tensions rise, residents and activists vow to continue their fight against the tower, with the possibility of more protests and arrests on the horizon. Meanwhile, the ACT Greens are calling on the Labor Government to halt construction and reconsider an alternative site that minimizes environmental damage and community disruption.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as the Ainslie community pushes back against the 5G tower project.
