2017-04-11 Planning & Environment Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                    11 APRIL 2017


           16.1. The identification and retention of the existing trees within a 50m distance around
                 the fenced compound area of the tower.
           16.2. Appropriately selected tree species and understorey plantings to achieve dense
                 visual screening of the tower and having regard to the soil conditions. Trees
                 included shall be able to achieve up to 20m in mature height, though inclusion of
                 fast growing species is also desirable to achieve early visual screening.
           16.3. The planting areas should maximise the screening opportunities surrounding the
                 tower and include appropriate planting for a distance up to 20m beyond the
                 perimeter of the lease area, whilst maintaining access and electricity supply.
B.   Find the following are sufficient grounds to justify the decision despite the conflict with the
     Planning Scheme:
     1.    The telecommunications facility will provide coverage for the NBN fixed wireless
           network, allowing for the delivery of higher speed data to rural residential households
           in the Cooran area; and
     2.    The proposal will not significantly impact on the visual or residential amenity of the
           locality as appropriate separation distances are retained to existing nearby residents
           and the tower will be partly screened by existing vegetation.


REPORT
1.   PROPOSAL
The application seeks a Development Permit for Material Change of Use for a telecommunications
tower associated with the establishment of the fixed wireless network infrastructure of the National
Broadband Network (NBN). Fixed wireless is a network of base station facilities proposed to
provide fast internet service to the majority of rural and rural residential properties. Since 2013,
there have been 9 other NBN towers approved in the Noosa Shire, with several already constructed
and operational.
The base stations communicate directly with antennas fixed to individual premises (dwellings or
businesses) to deliver wireless broadband access. The proposed tower is designed to service
approximately 180 rural residential properties in the Cooroibah area.
The proposal is for a 46 metre high monopole, radio transmission equipment and ancillary
equipment shelter to be located within a 120m2 lands lease situated at 23 Jirrima Crescent,
Cooroibah. The application also seeks approval for a Development Permit for Operational Works
to upgrade an existing access track and reinstate an existing culvert to provide appropriate access
for the installation and ongoing service and maintenance of the facility.
The proposed NBN tower will service approximately 180 properties with coverage extending
roughly 4km north-west to Riverpark Drive, 3km north-east along Johns Road and south past
Woodhaven Way.
A locality plan and proposal plans are included in Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 below.




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