Development Application part 2 of 2 , Planning report/Plans MCU12/0036

                                    Planning Report



The first stage of the process is to consider if the deficiency can be improved through optimisation of the
existing network hardware, to avoid the deployment of additional infrastructure. This involves a review of the
antenna configurations at existing sites in the subject area, adjustments to software parameters and other
similar changes to the existing network configuration. In many instances, network optimisation offers
sufficient improvements and means that capital works or the construction of new facilities are not required to
remedy the situation.

However, if optimisation cannot deliver a satisfactory outcome, the deployment of a new site is considered.
The initial research undertaken is used to define the scope of the network deficiency and the performance
objective of the proposed new facility.

2.3.2      The Need for the Telstra Cooroy Facility

The site is required within Cooroy to relieve the capacity of the existing network in this area. The proposed
facility needs to able to absorb additional traffic and provide improved depth of coverage in the area. It is
noted that the decommissioning of the existing facility has been undertaken at the direction of Council.

The performance objective for the proposed facility is to provide a successful relocation through continued
call quality and   performance in the target area. The facility will provide matching depth of coverage to
Lammermoor and surrounding areas.


2.3.3      Investigations of Opportunities for Optimisation of Existing Telstra Sites
The    opportunity for facility co-location was thoroughly explored as part of this proposal.            No suitable
alternatives for co-location, to achieve the desired coverage performance, were identified. Therefore, a new
site in the area was required to be considered. However, this development may provide opportunities for co-
locations in the future.


2.3.4      Process of Site Selection

Considering the inability to co-locate the proposed telecommunications facility with            an   existing facility,
selection of a suitable alternative site was required. The process of site selection involves identification of
sites that are capable of meeting the required service and        performance requirements. Telstra apply and
evaluate a range of criteria as part of the site selection process. The search ring for the proposed site is
shown in Figure 1.

Telstra identifies potential sites that meet coverage requirements through the use of computer modelling
tools that produce the coverage that may be expected from different sites.

There are also a number of other criteria that are used to assess options and select sites that may be
suitable for the facility. These take into account factors other than the radio performance of the site, and
include:

    The potential of obtaining tenure at the site, as Telstra is unable to lodge a development application
    without the consent of the land owner;

    Visual impact and the potential of obtaining relevant town planning approvals;

      Proximity to sensitive uses and/or areas of environmental heritage; and

    The cost of     developing   the site and the provision     of utilities   (power, access to the facility and
    transmission links).


2.3.5      Why was the selected site chosen?
The alternative target sites were strictly limited given the residential nature of land uses in the area. Telstra
identified 5 alternative sites for the proposed facility, detailed below (refer to Figure 1):

    Candidate A: Cooroy Telstra TE      -
                                          4 Garnet Street, Cooroy;

    Candidate B: Ritek Building Solutions      -
                                                 20 Lower Mill Road, Cooroy

    Candidate C: SCRC Waste Treatment Plant           -
                                                       Jarrah Street, Cooroy

    Candidate D: Cooroy Sports Club       -
                                              Garnet Street, Cooroy


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