THE possibility that a tower, whose purpose in life in increasing internet speeds for 250 people on a small part of the Alstonville plateau, could threaten the future viability of the Ballina/Byron Gateway Airport which services Ballina, Byron, Lismore and surrounds, a population which must be of the order of 100,000, is beyond belief.

Our airport is the best thing to happen on the Northern Rivers in the past 40 years.

The convenience of air travel to and from Sydney, Melbourne and Newcastle is enthusiastically enjoyed by residents, evidenced by the thousands of passengers passing through the airport every week.

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There are current plans to provide even more services which means greater convenience to residents, visitors and the all-important tourists.

I don't think that we, as a community, fully appreciate how well serviced we are and the economic boost that the airport brings to our area.

Many thanks to Jetstar, Virgin and Rex airlines on their big contribution to the life of our communities.

This isn't just a Ballina problem, however; it affects residents in Byron, Lismore, Alstonville, Lennox Head and surrounds.

In light of all this, the question must be asked as to why Ballina Council would want to jeopardise all this by approving a 45 metre communications tower for NBN Co in the middle of the flight path from the west into Ballina airport in breach of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations.

Surely there must be an alternate site on the Alstonville Plateau, which is not located in the flight path, which could accommodate the tower.

This important shift would remove the danger to aircraft and the thousands of passengers they carry.

While faster internet speeds are a boon for all residents, surely concern for human safety must override that.

If you have any interest in this critical issue you should approach Ballina councillors and express your concerns.

Their contact details are on the council website.