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Davis Rd Cootharaba DA Planning Report
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Planning Report Proposed Fixed Wireless Facility Davis Road Cootharaba QLD 4565 NBN Site Reference NBN-4BBZ-4GYM-5125-David Cootharaba The contents of this document reflect NBN Co’s current position on the subject matter of this document. It is provided solely to explain information relevant to NBN Co’s planning proposal. The contents of this document should not be relied upon as representing NBN Co’s final position on the subject matter, except where stated otherwise. Any dates provided are indicative only, are subject to change and are dependent upon a number of factors. Prepared on behalf of NBN Co Limited By Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd 29 June 2015
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Document Control Record
Document prepared by:
Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd
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Level 14, 32 Turbot Street
Brisbane QLD 45 00
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Brisbane QLD 45 01
Australia
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Report Title Planning Assessment Report (Impact Assessment) Proposed Telecommunication
Facility at Davis Road, Cootharaba
Document ID Planning Assessment Report Project Number 226420-001-01
(Impact Assessment)
File Path P:\Telco\6. Ericsson NBN\Site Clusters\Nambour Cluster\Site Folders\David
Cootharaba\Planning\DA Report
Rev Date Revision Prepared by Author Verifier Approver
Details/Status
0 25/06/15 Draft CH CH CR CR
01 29/6/15 Final CH CH CR CR
Current Revision Final
NBN-4BBZ-4GYM-5125 – David Cootharaba Page 2
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Contents
Executive Summary .................................................................................................................. 5
1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................... 6
2 BACKGROUND ....................................................................................................... 7
2.1 NBN Co and the National Broadband Network .............................................................. 7
2.2 What is Fixed Wireless and how is it different to Mobile Broadband? ........................... 7
2.3 The Fixed Wireless Network – Interdependencies......................................................... 7
3 SITE SELECTION .................................................................................................... 9
3.1 Identification of areas requiring Fixed Wireless coverage ............................................. 9
3.2 Site Selection Parameters .............................................................................................. 9
3.3 Candidate Sites ............................................................................................................ 10
3.4 Co-location Opportunities ............................................................................................. 13
3.5 Prime Site Selection Reasons ...................................................................................... 14
4 SUBJECT SITE & SURROUNDS .......................................................................... 16
4.1 Site Details ........................................................................................................................ 16
4.2 Site Surrounds .............................................................................................................. 19
5 THE PROPOSAL ................................................................................................... 21
5.1 Facility and Equipment Details ..................................................................................... 21
5.1.1 Lease Agreement ............................................................................................ 21
5.1.2 Equipment to be installed ................................................................................ 21
5.1.3 Access and Parking Details............................................................................. 21
5.1.4 Utility Service Details ....................................................................................... 23
5.1.5 Construction and Noise ................................................................................... 23
6 CURRENT PLANNING CONTROLS ..................................................................... 24
6.1 Commonwealth Legislation – The Telecommunications Act .......................................24
6.2 State Legislation – Sustainable Planning Act 2009 .....................................................24
6.2.1 Referral Agencies ............................................................................................ 24
6.2.2 State Development Assessment Provisions ...................................................25
6.2.3 State Planning Policy ...................................................................................... 25
6.2.4 Regional Plan .................................................................................................. 27
6.3 State Legislation – Vegetation Management Act 1999 ................................................28
6.4 State Legislation – Nature Conservation Act 1992 ......................................................29
6.5 Local Government Regulatory Framework .................................................................. 29
6.5.1 Planning Scheme Use Definition ..................................................................... 29
6.5.2 Zoning.............................................................................................................. 30
6.3.3 Overlays .......................................................................................................... 31
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7 PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS ........................................................................... 33
7.1 Desired Environmental Outcomes ............................................................................... 33
7.2 Applicable Codes .............................................................................................................. 36
7.2.1 Boreen Point, Kin Kin and Cootharaba Locality Code ........................................36
7.2.2 Infrastructure Uses Code .................................................................................... 39
7.2.3 Earthworks Code ................................................................................................. 40
7.2.4 Landscaping Code .............................................................................................. 41
7.2.5 Driveways and Carparking Code ........................................................................ 42
7.2.6 Biodiversity Overlay Code ................................................................................... 42
7.2.7 Natural Hazards Area Code ................................................................................ 43
8 OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES .................. 45
8.1 Visual Amenity .............................................................................................................. 45
8.2 Heritage ........................................................................................................................ 52
8.3 Electrical Interference and Grounding of the Facility ...................................................52
8.4 Erosion, Sedimentation Control and Waste Management ...........................................52
8.5 Flora and Fauna Study ................................................................................................. 52
8.6 Endangered Species .................................................................................................... 53
8.7 Social and Economic Impacts ...................................................................................... 53
8.8 Public Safety................................................................................................................. 53
8.8.1 Radiofrequency Emissions .............................................................................. 53
8.8.2 Access ............................................................................................................. 54
8.9 The Public Interest and the Benefits of Telecommunications ......................................54
8.9.1 Other Benefits of Reliable Broadband Services ..............................................54
9 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 56
10 APPENDIX ............................................................................................................. 57
Appendix 1 – Proposal Plans.................................................................................................. 57
Appendix 2 – Survey Plan ...................................................................................................... 58
Appendix 3 – Department of Community Safety & Rural Fire Operations
Correspondence ........................................................................................................... 59
Appendix 4 – Flora Survey Report & Permit........................................................................... 60
Appendix 5 – Code Table Assessment .................................................................................. 61
Appendix 6 – Environmental Searches .................................................................................. 85
Appendix 7 – ARPANSA EME Report .................................................................................... 86
NBN-4BBZ-4GYM-5125 – David Cootharaba Page 4
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Executive Summary
Proposal NBN Co propose to install a new fixed wireless facility at Cootharaba
comprised of the following:
40 m monopole;
1 X parabolic dish antenna;
3 X panel antennas;
2
7.5m equipment shelter at ground level; &
Ancillary equipment associated with operation of the facility,
including cable trays, cabling, safe access methods, bird
proofing, earthing, electrical works and air-conditioning
equipment.
Purposes
The proposed facility at Cootharaba is necessary to provide NBN fixed
wireless coverage to the Cootharaba area.
Property Details Adjoining Eastern Lot & Plan No: Lot 5 on RP894929
Street Address: Davis Road, Cootharaba QLD 4565
Lot on Plan: Provisional Lot 1 on SP277246 (to be register with the
Titles Office by DNRM)
Coordinates: -26.298810°, 152.936260°
Property Owner: Department of Natural Resources and Mines (Road
Reserve)
Town Planning Scheme
Council: Noosa Shire Council
Planning Scheme: The Noosa Plan 2009
Zone: Boreen Point, Kin Kin and Cootharaba Locality - Rural Zone
Overlays: Refer to Section 6.3.3
Use Definition: Infrastructure Use – Service and Utility (Type 3 Tower)
Applicable Planning Policies Relevant Regional, State & Local Planning Policies Complies
South East Queensland Regional Plan Yes
State Planning Policy Yes
The Noosa Plan 2009 2009 Yes
Application Use and development of the land for the purposes of construction &
operation of a Telecommunications Facility (Fixed Wireless facility)
Applicant NBN Co Limited (NBN Co)
c/- Aurecon Australasia
Locked Bag 331, Brisbane QLD 4001
Contact: Claire Harris
Our Ref: David Cootharaba- NBN
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1 INTRODUCTION
NBN Co has engaged Ericsson as the equipment vendor and project manager to establish the
infrastructure required to facilitate the fixed wireless component of the National Broadband
Network (NBN). Ericsson has in turn engaged Aurecon Australasia to act on its behalf in relation to
the establishment of the required fixed wireless network infrastructure.
The NBN is an upgrade to Australia’s existing telecommunications network. It is designed to
provide Australians with access to fast, affordable and reliable internet and landline phone
services. NBN Co plans to upgrade the existing telecommunications network in the most cost-
efficient way using best-fit technology and taking into consideration existing infrastructure.
The Cootharaba facility has been proposed as part of the NBN rollout, which has been designed to
provide access to fast and reliable, fixed wireless broadband services to Cootharaba.
An in-depth site selection process was undertaken in the area prior to confirming the site as the
preferred location. This process matched potential candidates against four key factors, namely:
• Town planning considerations (such as zoning, surrounding land uses, environmental
significance and visual impact);
• The ability of the site to provide acceptable coverage levels to the area;
• Construction feasibility; and
• The ability for NBN Co to secure a lease agreement with the landowner.
This application seeks planning consent for:
• a 40 m high monopole;
• radio transmission equipment; and
• ancillary equipment shelter.
The facility will be located within the Davis Road reserve, Cootharaba, on provisional Lot 1 on
SP277246 (to be register with the Titles Office by DNRM).
This submission will provide assessment in respect of the relevant planning guidelines, and
demonstrates site selection on the basis of:
• The proposal is designed so as to be appropriately located & sited so as to minimise visual
impact on the immediate & surrounding area;
• The proposal is complies with The Noosa Plan 2009 and Sustainable Planning Act 2009;
• The proposal is designed to achieve the required coverage objectives for the area;
• The proposal is designed to operate within the regulatory framework of Commonwealth,
State and Local Government; and
• The proposal is designed to operate within all current and relevant standards and is
regulated by the Australian Communications and Media Authority.
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2 BACKGROUND
2.1 NBN Co and the National Broadband Network
NBN Co is the organisation responsible for overseeing the upgrade of Australia’s existing
telecommunications network and for providing wholesale services to retail service providers. The
NBN is designed to provide Australians with access to fast, affordable and reliable internet and
landline phone services.
NBN Co plans to upgrade the existing telecommunications network in the most cost-efficient way
using best-fit technology and taking into consideration existing infrastructure.
The NBN’s fixed wireless network will use cellular technology to transmit signals to and from a
small antenna fixed on the outside of a home or business, which is pointed directly towards the
fixed wireless facility.
NBN Co’s fixed wireless network is designed to offer service providers with wholesale access
speeds of up to 25Mbps for downloads and 5Mbps for uploads. 1
2.2 What is Fixed Wireless and how is it different to Mobile
Broadband?
The NBN’s fixed wireless network, which uses advanced technology commonly referred to as LTE
or 4G, is engineered to deliver services to a fixed number of premises within each coverage area.
This means that the bandwidth per household is designed to be more consistent than mobile
wireless, even in peak times of use.
Unlike a mobile wireless service where speeds can be affected by the number of people moving
into and out of the area, the speed available in a fixed wireless network is designed to remain
relatively steady.
2.3 The Fixed Wireless Network – Interdependencies
1 NBN Co is designing the NBN to provide these speeds to our wholesale customers, telephone and internet service providers.
End user experience including the speeds actually achieved over the NBN depends on some factors outside NBN Co’s control like
equipment quality, software, broadband plans and how the end user’s service provider designs its network.
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Although fixed wireless facilities are submitted to Council as standalone developments from a
planning perspective, they are highly interdependent. Each fixed wireless facility is connected to
another to form a chain of facilities that link back to the fibre network. This is called the
‘transmission network’.
The transmission network requires line of sight from facility to facility until it reaches the fibre
network. The fixed wireless network will remain unconnected without the transmission network
and a break in this chain can have flow on effects to multiple communities.
A typical fixed wireless facility will include three antennas mounted above the surrounding area.
Each antenna is designed to cover a set area to maximise signal strength. These network antennas
communicate to a small antenna installed on the roof of each customer’s home or business. The
character of the Fixed Wireless network is visually demonstrated through Figure 2.1 below.
Figure 2.1 – The Fixed Wireless Network
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3 SITE SELECTION Planning for a new fixed wireless broadband facility is a complex process. NBN Co conducts a rigorous multi-stage scoping process, as outlined below. 3.1 Identification of areas requiring Fixed Wireless coverage NBN Co’s Fixed Wireless locations are determined by a number of factors including the availability of both the NBN Co Fibre transit network and the availability of Point of Interconnect (POI) facilities to allow for the installation of NBN Co fibre equipment. NBN Co uses a number of methods to identify those parts of Australia that require Fixed Wireless coverage. When an area is identified as requiring Fixed Wireless coverage, investigations are undertaken to determine the measures required to provide this coverage. NBN Co has identified a requirement to provide a Fixed Wireless facility at Cootharaba. The facility is designed to provide Fixed Wireless internet services to dwellings in the Cootharaba area. 3.2 Site Selection Parameters NBN Co generally identifies an area where the requirement for a Fixed Wireless facility would be highest, a ‘search area.’ A preliminary investigation of the area is then generally undertaken, in conjunction with planning and property consultants, radiofrequency engineers and designers in order to identify possible locations to establish a facility. Generally speaking, new sites must be located within, or immediately adjacent to, the identified search area in order to be technically feasible. However, while the operational and geographical aspects of deploying new facilities are primary factors, there are also many other issues that influence network design, which have to be resolved in parallel. Some of the issues that may be considered include visual amenity, potential co-location opportunities, the availability and suitability of land as well as a willing site provider, occupational health and safety, construction issues (including structural and loading feasibility and access for maintenance purposes), topographical constraints affecting network line of site, legislative policy constraints, environmental impacts, and cost implications. The number, type and height of facilities required to complete the Fixed Wireless network are largely determined by the above operational, geographical and other factors discussed that influence final network design. These compounding factors often severely restrict the available search area within which a facility can be established to provide Fixed Wireless internet services to a local community. NBN-4BBZ-4GYM-5125 – David Cootharaba Page 9
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3.3 Candidate Sites
NBN Co endeavours to avoid locating search areas in close proximity to residential localities and
potentially sensitive land uses, where practicable. The Cootharaba locality is comprised of rural
allotments with scattered dwellings and areas of mature vegetation. As such, it is considered that
the Cootharaba locality provides an appropriate location for a facility, given the low density
development pattern and separation provided to dwellings and other sensitive land uses.
Following the identification of the search area, a number of candidate sites were examined. Each
candidate was assessed based on the ability to meet the coverage objectives and site
considerations detailed above. A total of four (4) candidates were selected for in-depth
investigation, as per Figure 3.1 below.
Figure 3.1 – NBN Co Candidate Sites (from Google Earth)
A summary of the candidates that were considered is set out below in Table 3.1, including a
description of the opportunities and constraints that each site afforded.
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Table 3.1 – Summary of Candidates
Candidate Address and Lot Number Facility Type Description
NBN Co investigated the potential for
the erection of a new 40 m
monopole on land within the ‘Boreen
Point, Kin Kin & Cootharaba Locality
– Rural Zone’ under The Noosa Plan
2009. The 0.16 ha property is
currently leased to the Department
of Community Safety and Rural Fire
Operations and contains the Boreen
Point Rural Fire Brigade –
Cootharaba Shed.
A 40 m monopole in the location of
Candidate A would provide a good
and reliable service to the
Cootharaba community, however,
Davis Road, Cootharaba given the minimal vegetation
New 40 m
A screening in this particular location, a
Lot 500 on CP885200 monopole
facility was considered to be more
visually prominent when compared
to Candidate D.
Furthermore, NBN was required to
enter into a sub-lease with the
Department of Community Safety
and Rural Fire Operations in order to
obtain consent and tenure. An
agreement was unable to be
obtained with the Department of
Community Safety and Rural Fire
Operations to allow a sub-lease as
the purpose of their lease prohibits
any other activity (see attached
Appendix 3). For these reasons,
Candidate A was discounted.
Candidate B investigated the
erection of a 40 m monopole on an
82.6 ha parcel of land within the
749 Cootharaba Road, ‘Boreen Point, Kin Kin & Cootharaba
Cootharaba New 45 m + Locality – Rural Zone’ under The
B
Lattice Tower Noosa Plan 2009. The property is
Lot 5 on RP189035 predominantly cleared of vegetation
and is currently used for agricultural
purposes.
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Given the location of this candidate
more than 10 m lower in ground
elevation than Candidate D, a larger
lattice structure (at least 45 m+)
would be required to provide good
and reliable service to the
Cootharaba community.
Furthermore a 45 m+ lattice tower in
the location of Candidate B, which is
adjacent to Cootharaba Road with
little vegetation screening, was
considered to be more visually
prominent to the Cootharaba
community.
Pursuing this candidate was deemed
unnecessary given that Candidate D
provided a more appropriate option
in terms of achieving NBN’s coverage
objectives, as well as providing more
appropriate visual screening
benefits. For these reasons
Candidate B was discounted.
Candidate C investigated the
erection of a 40 m monopole on a
76.8 ha parcel of land within the
‘Boreen Point, Kin Kin & Cootharaba
Locality – Rural Zone’ under The
Noosa Plan 2009. The property is
predominantly cleared of vegetation
and is currently used for agricultural
purposes.
Given the location of this candidate
277 Tomkinson Road, some 2 km south of the search area,
Cootharaba New 45 m+ a larger lattice structure (at least 45
C
Lattice Tower m+) would be required to provide a
Lot 1127 on M37467 reliable service to parts of the
Cootharaba community. Dwellings to
the north would likely receive a poor
quality service due to the undulating
terrain and limited reach of the
service. This was therefore
considered a poor technical solution
to provide wireless broadband to the
whole community.
Pursuing this candidate further was
deemed unnecessary given that
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Candidate D provided a more
appropriate option in terms of
achieving NBN’s coverage objectives.
For these reasons Candidate C was
discounted.
NBN Co investigated the potential for
a new facility to be located in the
road reserve of Davis Road. The
portion of the road reserve is
currently unimproved vegetated land
and located south of previously
disturbed area that contains aerial
power lines.
A 40 m monopole in this location
would provide reliable coverage to
the Cootharaba community, whilst
achieving ‘line of sight’ to other fixed
Davis Road, Cootharaba
wireless facilities in the wider Noosa
New 40 m
D Provisional Lot 1 on SP27724 area.
monopole
The proposed facility would be
appropriately located within a
portion of the road reserve that
makes use of existing access and
power infrastructure in conjunction
with mature vegetation screening.
Furthermore, given the site is
relatively flat and easy to access, it
was considered viable from a civil
construction perspective. For these
reasons, Candidate D was considered
the most viable option and has been
selected as the preferred candidate.
3.4 Co-location Opportunities
The Cootharaba area did not offer any possible co-location opportunities. Figure 3.2 below
illustrates the location of existing telecommunications facilities in the wider area.
As can be seen in Figure 3.2, the closest existing facility (RFNSA #4565007) is located ~5.7 km
north east of Candidate D at Boreen Point. The existing facility is a 30 m monopole in which NBN
Co infrastructure has already been accommodated to provide fixed wireless services to the Boreen
Point area. Therefore, this facility was not considered a viable co-location option as it is located
too far away to provide an additional NBN Co service to the Cootharaba area.
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Figure 3.2 – Existing Telecommunication Facilities in the wider area (source: Google Earth 2015)
3.5 Prime Site Selection Reasons
Considering the factors identified above, Candidate D was ranked as the preferred location for the
facility as the site is able to provide reliable coverage, whilst minimising the visual impact of the
facility as much as practicable. In summary, the site is considered to be the best option out of the
four (4) candidates considered because:
• The facility has been located in a previously disturbed area of the road reserve that has
been cleared for aerial power lines and nearby the Boreen Point Rural Fire Brigade
property has similar emergency services antennas and equipment. Therefore, a facility in
this location was not considered to significantly detract from the existing modified nature
of the locality;
• The proposed facility is located a sufficient buffer distance from environmentally sensitive
locations (more than 4.5 km from Lake Cootharaba and approximately 2 km from
Wahpunga Range);
• The location provides line of sight to other planned sites in the NBN wireless network
specifically Boreen Point North; and
• The siting of a Telecommunication Facility on this site will meet coverage objectives for
the area, whilst minimising visual impact given the presence of mature vegetation
surrounding the site which will assist with visually integrating the monopole within its
surroundings and reducing the visual dominance of the structure.
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• The proposed location provides separation from neighbouring dwellings (closest dwelling
located approximately 150 m to the north east); and
• Given the natural ground elevation, the height of the proposed facility can be restricted to
40 m and a monopole structure (compared to a larger bulkier lattice tower structure
required at alternative candidates), whilst still achieving reliable coverage to the
Cootharaba community.
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4 SUBJECT SITE & SURROUNDS
4.1 Site Details
The telecommunications facility is proposed to be located within the road reserve of Davis Road (-
26.298810°, 152.936260°). An application to Department of Natural Resources and Mines has
been made to close an area of 300 m2 within the road reserve of Davis Road pursuant to section
99 of the Land Act 1994 (DNRM Reference No. 2013/002881). The proposed Telecommunications
Facility will be located within the 300 m2 area which is shown in the Survey Plan as provisional Lot
1 on SP27724 (refer to Appendix 2).
The closest adjoining lot is to the east and is legally described as Lot 5 on RP894929. The
proposed facility will be located in a relatively flat area of the road reserve at an elevation of 55 m
AHD.
The Local Government Authority for the proposal is Noosa Shire Council and the site falls within
The Noosa Plan 2009. As the site is located within a road reserve, Section 2.10 within the Planning
Scheme applies which states –
2.10.1 If a road, watercourse or reclaimed land is not shown as being covered by a zone on the
zone maps, the following applies—
a) if the road, watercourse or reclaimed land is adjoined on both sides by land in the same
zone—the road, watercourse or reclaimed land has the same zoning as the adjoining land;
b) if the road, watercourse or reclaimed land is adjoined on one side by land in a zone and
adjoined on the other side by land in another zone—the road, watercourse or reclaimed
land has the same zoning as the adjoining land and the centreline of the road or
watercourse is the boundary between the two zones;
2.10.2 To remove any doubt, it is declared that subsection 2.10.1 also applies to a closed road if
the road is closed after the commencement of the planning scheme.
Therefore as the Davis Road reserve is adjoined by ‘Rural’ zoned land, the site will be zoned as
‘Boreen Point, Kin Kin & Cootharaba locality – Rural Zone’ under The Noosa Plan 2009.
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Proposed facility location
Figure 4.1 – Proposed subject site and location of facility (Source: SARA Mapping, DILGP)
The location of the proposed facility (provisional Lot 1 on SP27724) will be located in the road
reserve approximately 65 m east of the formed/bitumen section of Davis Road and approximately
120 m south of Cootharaba Road. The road reserve is heavily vegetated and largely unimproved,
apart from a few sections that have been previously cleared for driveway access and aerial power
lines (i.e. directly north of the proposed facility location). The proposed facility will utilise existing
access and power infrastructure, in conjunction with mature vegetation screening that will
surround the facility to the east, south and west.
Figure 4.2 illustrates an aerial view of the site location and Figure 4.3 shows the proposed location
of the facility within the subject site.
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Figure 4.2: Aerial view of the location of the proposed facility on the subject site (Source: Google Earth & QLD Globe)
Figure 4.3: Location of proposed facility (red arrow) looking south east on the subject property
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4.2 Site Surrounds
The site surrounds are characterised by large rural residential and agricultural grazing properties,
and heavily vegetated hinterland and valley areas. The Boreen Point Rural Fire Brigade depot,
which contains similar emergency communications infrastructure, is located approximately 100 m
west of the proposal. The proposed facility will be set back approximately 150 m from the closest
dwelling located to the north east. Figure 4.4 illustrates an aerial view of the characteristics of the
surrounding area.
Figure 4.4: Location of the proposed facility and surrounding characteristics (Source: Google Earth & Qld Globe)
Nearby villages in the wider locality include Kin Kin (north west), Boreen Point (north east),
Cooroibah (south east) and Pinbarren and Pomona (south west). The wider locality also contains
areas of environmental and heritage significance, including:
• Cooloothin Conservation Park, Noosa River, Lake Cooroibah (south east)
• Lake Cootharaba (east)
• Tewantin National Park and Ringtail State Forest (south)
Figure 4.5 below provides an aerial view of the subject site in the context of the surrounding area.
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Figure 4.5 - Aerial view of the subject site in the context of the surrounding area (Source: Google Earth & QLD Globe) NBN-4BBZ-4GYM-5125 – David Cootharaba Page 20
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5 THE PROPOSAL 5.1 Facility and Equipment Details 5.1.1 Lease Agreement NBN Co Limited will enter into a term lease with DNRM (20 years). A new lot will be created being Lot 1 on SP277246 which will be registered with the Titles Office by DNRM (refer to Appendix 2 – Survey Plan). 5.1.2 Equipment to be installed Approval is sought for the use and development of a telecommunication facility, comprising a 40 m monopole and two (2) x outdoor cabinets (one proposed and one future with 0.65 m2 base areas). The outdoor cabinets will be located on a concrete slab located at the base of the facility within a secure compound which measures approximately 300 m². The proposed monopole will feature a circular headframe accommodating three (3) x panel antennas (1.077 m long), mounted at a centreline elevation of 40 m, and three (3) x remote radio units (0.5 m long) positioned behind the panel antennas. One (1) parabolic dish antenna (0.6 m in diameter) will also be installed at a centreline elevation of 37 m. Refer to Appendix 1 – Proposal Plans for further details. 5.1.3 Access and Parking Details Access to the site will be obtained via an existing unsealed access from Davis Road. There is an existing clear area adjacent to site that will allow for parking of construction and maintenance vehicles. The location of the access can be seen on the attached drawings within Appendix 1 and in Figure 5.1 below. NBN Co proposes to utilise this access to the proposed facility during construction and operation. An application to Department of Natural Resources and Mines has been made to close an area of 300 m2 of Davis Road pursuant to section 99 of the Land Act 1994 (DNRM Reference No. 2013/002881). NBN Co Limited will enter into a term lease with DNRM (20 years). A new lot will be created being Lot 1 on SP266958 which will be registered with the Titles Office by DNRM (refer to Appendix 2 – Survey Plan). The proposed Telecommunications Facility will be located within the 300 m2 area. NBN-4BBZ-4GYM-5125 – David Cootharaba Page 21
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Figure 5.1 View looking east towards the proposed facility location from the existing access point off Davis Road
NBN Co considers the site access to be appropriate given the NBN Co facility will not be a
significant generator of traffic. Once operational, the facility should require once annual
maintenance visits, but would remain unattended at all other times. As the facility is expected to
generate minimal trips per year, it is anticipated that traffic interference will be negligible.
During the construction phase, it is planned that a truck will be used to deliver the equipment and
a crane will be utilised to lift most of the equipment into place. Any traffic impacts associated with
construction are expected to be of a short-term duration and are not anticipated to adversely
impact on the surrounding road network. In the unlikely event that road closure will be required;
NBN Co will apply to the relevant authorities for permission.
A total construction period of approximately ten weeks (including civil works and network
integration and equipment commissioning) is anticipated. Construction activities will involve four
basic stages:
• Stage 1 (Week 1) – Site preparation works, including field testing, excavation and
construction of foundations;
• Stage 2 (Weeks 2, 3 and 4) – Construction of the mast;
• Stage 3 (Weeks 5 and 6) – Construction of the equipment shelter and fences;
• Stage 4 (Weeks 7 – 10) – Installation of antennas and radio equipment, as well as
equipment testing.
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Once operational, the facility is designed to function on a continuously unstaffed basis and will typically only require maintenance works 3 -4 times a year. 5.1.4 Utility Service Details Power for the proposed facility will be sourced from the existing Energex supply directly north of the proposed facility within the Davis Road reserve. The existing supply is proposed to be extended to a proposed NBN pole. The conditions of supply are subject to an Energex offer. Please refer to Drawing C2 and C3 of the Proposal Plans attached as Appendix 1 for further details. 5.1.5 Construction and Noise Noise and vibration emissions associated with the proposed facility are expected to be limited to the construction phase outlined above. Noise generated during the construction phase is anticipated to be of short duration and accord with the standards outlined in the relevant EPA guidelines. Construction works are planned only to occur between the hours of 7.00am and 6.00pm. NBN-4BBZ-4GYM-5125 – David Cootharaba Page 23
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6 CURRENT PLANNING CONTROLS 6.1 Commonwealth Legislation – The Telecommunications Act The Telecommunications Act 1997 has been operative since 1 July 1997. This legislation establishes the criteria for ‘low impact’ telecommunication facilities. If a proposed facility satisfies the requirements of a ‘low impact’ facility, the development is exempt from the planning approval process. Further clarification of the term ‘low impact’ is provided in the Telecommunications Act 1997 and the Telecommunications (Low Impact Facilities) Determination 1997, which was gazetted subsequent to the Act. The Telecommunications (Low Impact Facilities) Determination 1997 establishes certain facilities, which cannot be considered low impact facilities. The proposed facility is not considered to be low impact under the definitions contained in the Commonwealth legislation as it involves the construction of a new tower. Therefore, it is subject to the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 and requires a development approval under the provisions of the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014. 6.2 State Legislation – Sustainable Planning Act 2009 The Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (the SPA) is the legislation that governs planning in Queensland. The SPA seeks to achieve ecologically sustainable outcomes for development within Queensland by coordinating and integrating planning mechanisms at local, regional and state levels, managing the effects of development on the environment, and managing the process by which development takes place. Where a telecommunications facility is not considered a low-impact facility, it is subject to the provisions of the relevant local government planning provisions. As the proposal involves the installation of a new Telecommunication Facility and is not a ‘low-impact’ facility; the provisions of the Planning Scheme apply. This development report has been compiled to accompany an Impact Assessable application to Noosa Shire Council under the provisions of The Noosa Plan 2009. The development proposal is assessed against the provisions of the Planning Scheme in Section 7.0 below. 6.2.1 Referral Agencies A referral agency is an agency that has jurisdiction over a matter in a Development Application if referral to that agency is triggered under Schedule 7 of the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009 (SP Reg). The State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) established on 1 July 2013, made the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDIP) the single referral agency NBN-4BBZ-4GYM-5125 – David Cootharaba Page 24
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for all development applications where the Chief Executive of SPA has a jurisdiction as either the
Assessment Manager or referral agency. While DSDIP is responsible for a number of referral
agency triggers now that the SARA provisions have commenced, there are still a number of other
entities that exist outside of SARA, that still hold jurisdiction for their own referral agency triggers.
In accordance with Schedule 7 of the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009 (SP Reg), no Referral
Agencies are triggered for the application.
6.2.2 State Development Assessment Provisions
The Queensland State Development Assessment Provisions (SDAP) set out the matters of interest
to the State for development assessment, where the Chief Executive administering SPA (that, is
the Director-General of DSDIP), is responsible for assessing development applications as either
Assessment Manager or Referral Agency.
The SDAP is prescribed as a statutory instrument under SPA and contains the matters the Chief
Executive of SPA may have regard to in development assessment, bounded by the decision-
making rules outlined in SPA.
As the application does not trigger assessment by SARA, the SDAP modules are not required to be
assessed as part of this application.
6.2.3 State Planning Policy
The State Planning Policy (SPP) defines the Queensland Government’s approach to matters of
state interest in land use planning and development. The SPP identifies the State's interests in
planning and development and how they must be dealt with in planning schemes, council
development assessment processes and in designating land for community infrastructure.
The single SPP came into effect on 2 December 2013 and replaces the multiple policies previously
in existence. It provides a consolidated planning policy that centralises all State interests through
the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDIP).
The SPP consolidates the state's 16 interests across five broad themes as follows:
• Liveable communities and housing;
• Economic growth;
• Environment and heritage;
• Hazards and safety; and
• Infrastructure
As the SPP has not been reflected in The Noosa Plan 2009 therefore the proposed development
requires assessment against the ‘interim development assessment provisions’ as outlined in Part E
of the SPP.
In accordance with Part E interim development assessment provisions of the SPP, there are three
(3) codes triggered and addressed in Table 6.2 below.
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Table 6.2 - State Planning Policy Codes
State Interest Assessment Compliance
Biodiversity – A development application where The subject site is identified
• MSES – Wildlife habitat the land relates to a matter of under the SPP mapping as
state environmental significance, containing Wildlife Habitat. The
if the application is for: proposed facility is not
a) operational work, or considered to negatively impact
b) a material change of use on Matters of State
Environmental Significance
other than for a dwelling
(MSES), for the following reasons:
house, or
• The proposed facility will be
c) reconfiguring a lot that
located south of a previously
results in more than six lots
disturbed area that has been
or lots less than five
cleared for overhead power.
hectares.
• The proposed clearing for the
300 m² compound area will
Development: not impact on EVNT species as
1. Enhances matters of state a flora and fauna survey was
environmental significance undertaken in March 2015 by
where possible, and Aurecon ecologists and no
2. Identifies any potential EVNT species were observed
significant adverse (refer to Appendix 4).
environmental impacts on • All construction activities will
matters of state be managed to avoid any
environmental significance, sediment run-off during the
and construction period in
3. Manages the significant accordance with NBN’s
adverse environmental contractor’s Construction
impacts on matters of state Environmental Management
environmental significance Plan.
by protecting the matters of
state environmental
significance from, or
otherwise mitigating, those
impacts.
Water Quality – Water quality is to ensure The proposed telecommunication
• Climatic regions: development is planned, facility will not negatively impact
stormwater designed, constructed and on water quality, for the
management design operated to manage stormwater following reasons:
objectives and wastewater in ways that • The need for drainage and
support the protection of erosion/sediment control
environmental values identified measures is unlikely given
in the Environmental Protection the minor ground
(Water) Policy 2009. disturbance during the
construction phase.
However, the NBN Co.
compound foundation will
have a gravel finish to aid in
the dissipation of
stormwater on-site; and
• The minor addition of the
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development footprint to
accommodate the
equipment cabinets (less
2
than 7.5 m ) will not
generate significant
additional run-off or will
degrade the water quality
of nearby catchments.
Natural Hazards – A development application for a The subject site is identified
• Flood Hazard Area (Local material change of use, under the SPP mapping as being
Government Flood reconfiguring a lot or operational located within a Flood Hazard
Mapping Area) works on land within: Area (Local Government Flood
• A flood hazard area, or Mapping Area). However, the
• A bushfire hazard area, proposed facility is not identified
or within a Flood Hazard Area under
• A landslide hazard area; The Noosa Plan 2009 and
or
therefore furthermore
• A coastal hazard area
• For all natural hazards: assessment against this code is
Development: not required.
1. Avoids natural hazards areas
or mitigates the risks of the
natural hazards; and
2. Supports, and does not
unduly burden, disaster
management response or
recovery capacity and
capabilities; and
3. Directly, indirectly and
cumulatively avoids an
increase in the severity of
the natural hazards and the
potential for damage on the
site or to other properties;
and
4. Avoids risks to public safety
and the environment from
the location of hazardous
materials and the release of
these materials as a result of
a natural hazard; and
5. Maintains or enhances
natural processes and the
protective function of
landforms and vegetation
that can mitigate risks
associated with the natural
hazard
6.2.4 Regional Plan
The proposed development falls within the south-east Queensland region which is covered under
the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031 (Regional Plan). The Regional Plan covers
Noosa in the north, the New South Wales-Queensland border in the south, and Toowoomba in the
west.
The Regional Plan allocates all land into one of three land use categories; Regional Landscape and
Rural Production Area, Urban Footprint, and Rural Living Area. These categories provide the
spatial context for the regulatory provisions of the Regional Plan. The subject site falls within the
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Regional Landscape and Rural Production Area under the Regional Plan and is not within the
identified Urban Footprint boundaries.
The Regional Landscape and Rural Production Area identify land with regional landscape, rural
production or other non-urban values. It protects this land from inappropriate development,
particularly urban or rural residential development.
The proposed development is identified as an urban activity under the Regional Plan and is
generally consistent with the development outcomes for urban activities outside the Urban
Footprint. Division 2, Section 2.1, Table 2F of the SEQRP SPRP identifies the referral assessment
criteria for Material Change of Use development outside the Urban Footprint where:
1. A material change of use for an industrial and commercial purpose having a GFA of no
more than 750 m2 on the premises where -
(a) any incidental retail activity on the premises is no more than 50 m2; and
(b) any associated outdoor area on the premises is no more than 1500 m2.
The proposed facility is compliant with the provisions of the SPRP because the site:
• has a total footprint less than 750 m2
• will not trigger any incidental retail activity; and
• does not contain any outdoor areas on the premises.
In addition, the facility will provide a service for community benefit without compromising the
productive capacity of the site by supporting economy and employment provisions of the
Sunshine Coast Regional Council (formerly including the local government area of Noosa Council)
area identified by the Regional Plan as follows:
‘The small rural hinterland centres and surrounding rural production areas will continue to
play an important role in diversifying the Sunshine Coast’s economy and lifestyle. They will
also support the long-term sustainability of rural areas. The encouragement of home-
based businesses and rural enterprises with access to high-speed broadband
telecommunications provides additional economic and employment growth opportunities
outside the Urban Footprint.’
For these reasons, the proposed development is not considered to trigger referral to SARA for
assessment under the Regional Plan.
6.3 State Legislation – Vegetation Management Act 1999
The Vegetation Management Act 1999 (VMA) is the legislation that regulates vegetation
management and the clearing of native vegetation in Queensland. The VMA, administered by the
Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM), controls the rules and regulations that
guide what clearing can be done, and how it must be done to meet the requirements of the law.
Schedule 24, Part 1, 1(16) of the SPA, states that the clearing of native vegetation (identified on
Regulated Vegetation Management Map) is not assessable under Schedule 3, Part 1, Table 4 Item
1 if it is clearing vegetation for community infrastructure mentioned in Schedule 2. Part 2, Item 3
of Schedule 2 lists communication network facilities (such as NBN Co. structures) to be community
infrastructure.
Therefore the required vegetation clearing is considered exempt vegetation under the VMA and
no further assessment is required.
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6.4 State Legislation – Nature Conservation Act 1992 The Nature Conservation Act 1992 (NC Act) provides for the conservation and management of nature through two mechanisms: • the declaration and management of protected areas; and • the protection of native wildlife that is not found within a protected area. The NC Act provides for orders to conserve, protect or manage wildlife, habitat or areas subject to a threatening process likely to have a significant detrimental effect. Part 3 of the Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006 outlines exemptions which apply to the clearing of protected plants. The clearing of ‘least concern’ species are exempt under the NC Act. However, the clearing of Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened (EVNT) species will require a clearing permit. Areas identified at ‘high risk’ of containing EVNT species require a pre-clearing flora survey prior to confirming requirements under the NC Act (as per Section 265 of the Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006). The site is identified within the DEHP flora survey trigger mapping as being within a ‘high risk’ area. Consequently, a protected plant flora survey was undertaken on 23 March 2015 by Aurecon in accordance with the Flora Survey Guidelines – Protected Plants. No EVNT species were observed within the clearing impact area during the flora field inspection. As there were no EVNT plant species identified in the clearing impact area, a clearing permit is not required under the NC Reg (Section 261ZA). However, as the clearing impact area is within a ‘High risk area’ on the Flora Survey Trigger Map this flora survey report has been provided to DEHP in order to gain an exemption under section 261ZA of the NC Reg. A fauna survey was also undertaken at the same time as the flora survey and no EVNT fauna species were present in the clearing impact area. The findings of the flora and fauna survey are attached as Appendix 4. The exempt clearing permit obtained from DEHP is also attached as Appendix 4. 6.5 Local Government Regulatory Framework 6.5.1 Planning Scheme Use Definition The proposed development is defined within The Noosa Plan 2009 2009 as follows: • Primary Use: ‘Infrastructure Uses’ • Use Class: ‘Service and utility’ • Use: ‘Type 3 Tower’ Type 3 Tower is defined as: ‘The use of premises for a tower, antennas or mast and supporting shelter or equipment, in the provision or supply of electricity or telecommunications. The use NBN-4BBZ-4GYM-5125 – David Cootharaba Page 29
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excludes facilities deemed to be “Low Impact Facilities” under the Telecommunication (Low Impact
Facility) Determination Act 1997, and excludes power poles. The use includes a telecommunication
tower, wind turbine, high voltage transmission lines (110kv or greater).’
6.5.2 Zoning
As the site is located within the road reserve, Section 2.10 of the Planning Scheme applies which
states –
2.10.1 If a road, watercourse or reclaimed land is not shown as being covered by a zone on the
zone maps, the following applies—
a) if the road, watercourse or reclaimed land is adjoined on both sides by land in the same
zone—the road, watercourse or reclaimed land has the same zoning as the adjoining land;
b) if the road, watercourse or reclaimed land is adjoined on one side by land in a zone and
adjoined on the other side by land in another zone—the road, watercourse or reclaimed
land has the same zoning as the adjoining land and the centreline of the road or
watercourse is the boundary between the two zones;
2.10.2 To remove any doubt, it is declared that subsection 2.10.1 also applies to a closed road if
the road is closed after the commencement of the planning scheme.
Therefore as Davis Road reserve is adjoined by ‘Rural’ zoned land, the site will be zoned as ‘Boreen
Point, Kin Kin & Cootharaba locality – Rural Zone’ under The Noosa Plan 2009.
The proposed Material Change of Use for a ‘Type 3 Tower’ will be Impact Assessable
(Inconsistent) within this zone according Table 8.1 of the Noosa Plan 2009. Figure 6.3 below
indicates the zoning of the site.
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Proposed Facility
Figure 6.3: Boreen Point, Kin Kin & Cootharaba – Zone Map (Source: The Noosa Plan 2009)
6.3.3 Overlays
The subject site is identified as having the following overlays as outlined under The Noosa Plan
2009:
• Biodiversity Overlay: subject site identified as containing Environmental Enhancement
Areas (refer to Figure 6.4)
• Natural Hazard: Bushfire & Acid Sulfate Soils Overlay – The subject site identified as
containing Medium Bushfire Hazard Areas (refer to Figure 6.5)
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Proposed Facility
Figure 6.4: Biodiversity Overlay – Map OM5.1 (Source: The Noosa Plan 2009)
Proposed Facility
Figure 6.5: Natural Hazard: Bushfire & Acid Sulfate Soils Overlay – Map OM5.4 (Source: The Noosa Plan 2009)
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7 PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS
This section of the report assesses the proposal against the relevant provisions of the Planning
Scheme which include the relevant codes.
7.1 Desired Environmental Outcomes
As the proposed use is identified as Impact Assessable and an inconsistent land use within the
Rural Zone, assessment against the DEO’s of the Noosa Plan is required.
There are twelve (12) categories of DEOs within the Noosa Plan, five (5) of which are considered to
be relevant to this proposal. Demonstration of compliance with the relevant DEO’s is contained
below in Table 7.1.
Table 7.1 - Compliance with the relevant Desired Environmental Outcomes
Desired Environmental Outcomes Compliance
3.1.3 (a) Agricultural Uses Complies.
Agricultural industry is maintained by— The subject site is currently unimproved and
vegetated road reserve, not currently utilised
(i) conserving land for economically
for agricultural uses.
viable and environmentally
sustainable agricultural purposes; The proposed development will not
compromise the capabilities or practices of
(ii) preventing the fragmentation of
the site or surrounding land uses as the
good quality agricultural land;
establishment of the proposed facility will
(iii) facilitating the growth of non- occupy a relatively small term lease (300 m²)
traditional, though high value, crops of the larger road reserve owned by DNRM.
which have minimal impact on the
The introduction of fixed wireless coverage
natural environment or adjacent
will enhance the community’s potential in
crops;
regard to economic wellbeing and social
(iv) facilitating the growth of non- growth. Fixed wireless in Cootharaba which
traditional animal husbandry is identified as an ‘Area of Ecological
practices such as aquaculture where Significance’ on the Noosa Plan Strategy Map
it does not alienate good quality will aid economic and social growth and
agricultural land or have a diversification within the agricultural sectors
detrimental impact upon the of the shire, and create an opportunity for
environment; supplementary incomes and business
(v) protecting agricultural pursuits from pursuits.
incompatible uses; Therefore the proposal is consistent with
(vi) facilitating the growth of farm DEO 3.1.3 (a).
forestry practices;
(vii) value adding to farm produce to
enhance economic viability; and
(viii) adopting water and energy
efficient practices.
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3.1.3 (c) Community Uses and facilities Complies.
An adequate range of community services The proposed development is considered an
and facilities supporting the physical, safety, essential community service for residents
artistic and social needs of the community within the Cootharaba area.
are equitably distributed having regard to
The proposed facility will provide improved
the-
network access to remote locations within
(i) Location and density of housing the region to help service current and future
residents needs by providing access to
(ii) Location of transport
efficient and reliable broadband services.
infrastructure
The use has been appropriately located
(iii) Location of business centres
within the Cootharaba locality and adjacent
(iv) Social, economic and to other community services, including
demographic patterns of Noosa; electricity infrastructure and is well removed
and from community sensitive locations.
(v) Functions of towns and villages For these reasons the proposal is consistent
with DEO 3.1.3 (c).
3.1.3 (d) Heritage Complies.
The indigenous and non-indigenous history, The proposed development will be located
culture and traditions are reflected in the on Crown land for which there are no
built and natural heritage of Noosa and are heritage items identified.
preserved for future generations.
Therefore the proposal is consistent with
DEO 3.1.3 (d).
3.1.3 (g) Open space, environment and Complies.
conservation functions
The subject site is not identified as being
Networks of open space and natural habitat, located in an open space corridor however is
vegetated lands, and riparian zones along identified within an area containing existing
watercourses-
native vegetation as outlined on Map 4 Open
(i) Are sensitively managed and Space Networks. Notwithstanding, the
protected from any adverse proposed facility will be located south of a
impacts, including cumulative
previously disturbed area that has been
impacts, resulting from
development; cleared for overhead power. Furthermore
the proposed facility does require some
(ii) Set Noosa apart from other
clearing for the 300 m² compound area
coastal parts of south-east
Queensland by strongly however a flora and fauna survey was
protecting the natural undertaken in March 2015 by Aurecon
environment ecologists and no EVNT species were
(iii) Support the economy through observed (refer to Appendix 4).
the tourism industry The introduction of fixed wireless coverage
(iv) Define the boundaries to or of will enhance the community’s potential in
each of the distinct localities of regard to economic wellbeing and social
Noosa; growth of the wider Noosa area. Fixed
wireless in the Cootharaba area will aid
(v) Protect water quality, landscape economic and social growth and
stability and biodiversity diversification within the tourism sectors of
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(vi) Provide passive, nature-based the shire.
recreational and educational
The proposal does not involve the
opportunities;
implementation of passive nature-based
(vii) Enhance visual amenity; and recreational and educational opportunities,
however not withstanding this the proposed
(viii) Provide linkages beyond Noosa’s
facility is set back on a private property and
boundaries.
will not adversely impact or remove
opportunities for recreational or educational
facilities to occur.
There are no other significant conservation
areas present within or nearby the proposed
facility.
For these reasons the proposal is consistent
with DEO 3.1.3 (g).
3.1.3 (l) Infrastructure and services Complies.
(i) The efficient provision and use of services The proposed use for a telecommunications
such as water, sewerage, power, facility is identified as an infrastructure
telecommunications and waste disposal, service as per DEO 3.1.3 (l).
caters for the needs of residents and visitors,
The locality of Cootharaba has been
relative to their location within Noosa
identified for development of a new facility
(ii) the ongoing viability of existing to provide broadband services to residents,
infrastructure uses and facilities are visitors and businesses within the area.
protected from the impacts of future
To minimise amenity impacts, the facility has
development.
been appropriately co-located with existing
infrastructural uses in the surrounding area
including powerlines and poles.
The siting of this facility has been a strategic
and comprehensive process undertaken to
provide an efficient and high quality service
to the community, whilst minimising
potential impacts on the environment.
Existing infrastructure uses within the area
will not be impacted by the development.
Instead the proposed facility will provide
telecommunications services and
infrastructure and thus an opportunity for
other mobile phone carriers to collocate
which will increase the efficient provision of
telecommunications services within
Cootharaba.
For these reasons, the proposal is considered
to comply with the intent of DEO 3.1.3 (l).
In summary, the proposed Telecommunication Facility will:
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• Have negligible impact on the environmental quality, ecological values or the natural
resources in the region as it will be located in a previously disturbed area and only requires
minimal clearing that does not contain protected vegetation or terrestrial/aquatic ecosystems;
• Result in minimal impact on the scenic landscape values of the region as it will be located a
considerable distance from tourist routes and screened by existing vegetation; and
• Supports economic development and community wellbeing in the Council by providing fixed
wireless access to local residents, businesses and visitors.
For the reasons outlined above, the proposed Telecommunication Facility is determined to comply
with the Planning Scheme DEOs.
7.2 Applicable Codes
As the proposed use is listed as Impact (Inconsistent) within the Boreen Point, Kin Kin &
Cootharaba Locality, there are no specific assessment criteria or codes identified for the
proposed development. However the following codes are considered relevant to the
assessment of the current proposal:
• Planning Area Codes
o Boreen Point, Kin Kin and Cootharaba Locality Code
• Development Codes
o Land Use Codes
Infrastructure Uses Code
o General Development Codes
Earthworks Code;
Driveways and Car Parking Code; and
Landscaping Code;
• Overlay Codes
o Biodiversity Overlay Code; and
o Natural Hazards Overlay Code
7.2.1 Boreen Point, Kin Kin and Cootharaba Locality Code
A ‘Tower’ in the Boreen Point, Kin Kin & Cootharaba Locality is assessable against the Boreen
Point, Kin Kin & Cootharaba Locality Code. The Overall Outcomes for the Boreen Point, Kin Kin &
Cootharaba Locality which are relevant to the current proposal are addressed below.
a) New uses and works are located, designed and managed to—
(i) be compatible with other uses and works;
(ii) maintain the safety of people and works;
(iii) avoid significant adverse impacts on the amenity enjoyed by users of other
premises, including impacts on acoustic and visual qualities; and
(iv) avoid significant adverse effects on the natural environment, including native
habitat removal, fragmentation and attrition;
b) The remote setting, small scale village focus, agricultural and natural environmental
values of the locality are maintained and enhanced;
c) The rural and bushland character and lifestyle enjoyed by residents and visitors is retained;
d) Rural lands are protected and made available for sustainable Agricultural Uses;
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e) Agricultural Uses provide for appropriate value adding on site, where amenity impacts can
be avoided;
f) The natural environmental and cultural heritage values of the locality are well conserved
and well managed, including—
(i) Cooloola section of Great Sandy National Park, Cooloothin Conservation Park, Mill
Point, Borg Park, the Kin Kin Junction Arboretum and Wahpunga School Park;
(ii) the riparian zones of the Noosa River, Cooloothin Creek, Kin Kin Creek, its many
tributaries and other watercourses;
(iii) Lake Cootharaba and its riparian zones; iv Woondum, Toolara and Ringtail State
Forests;
(iv) the Kin Kin Memorial School of Arts, Country Life Hotel, St Luke’s Church, Kin Kin
Junction Uniting Church, Kin Kin State School, Kin Kin Masonic Lodge, Former Kin
Kin Post Office, Kin Kin General Store, Former Kin Kin Junction State School
(sportsground clubhouse), Former ES & A Bank and Residence, ‘Bangunyah’ Private
Residence, and Former W.D. Francis House amongst others;
g) Areas used or suitable for rural or extractive uses are protected from land uses which
would impact on the utilisation of the extractive resources;
h) Residential development, including short stay visitor accommodation in the form of bed
and breakfast accommodation, is of a scale consistent with its natural and rural setting
and is focused on the rural villages of Kin Kin and Boreen Point;
i) Pomona – Kin Kin – Gympie Road, Sister Tree Creek Road, Cootharaba Road, Dr Pages
Road, Junction Road, Kinmond Creek Road, Main Street, Lake Flat Road, McKinnon Drive,
Neusavale Road, Laguna Street and Louis Bazzo Drive, are protected as part of the major
road network.
j) The function, safety and visual amenity of the major road network are protected and
enhanced;
k) Open space networks are protected and enhanced to provide recreational, environmental
and aesthetic amenity opportunities across the locality;
l) Kin Kin village and Boreen Point village are the urban focal points, supporting the only
urban settlement in the locality, and consolidated through the provision of an appropriate
level of service to residents of the locality;
i) For the Rural Zone—rural land is protected and appropriately managed such that the
scenic and environmental values, the distinct rural amenity and agricultural productivity of
the locality are preserved and are not adversely impacted as a consequence of
development on or adjacent to that land;
Compliance
Development for a ‘Tower’ is recognised as an Inconsistent land use within the Boreen Point, Kin
Kin & Cootharaba Locality - Rural Zone. However, the proposed subject site is considered
appropriate to accommodate the proposed facility whilst minimising potential visual and amenity
impacts. In order to achieve this, a comprehensive site selection process was undertaken prior to
identifying a preferred site for the development of a new facility. This process involved
consideration to not only meeting the coverage objectives, but also minimising visual and amenity
impacts to the surrounding area.
The facility is considered to be appropriately located within proximity to compatible uses such as
the nearby Rural Fire Brigade (100 m west) which contains similar communications infrastructure.
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Existing electrical infrastructure including power lines and poles are also located to the north of
the proposed facility.
Thick mature vegetation surrounds the subject site which will provide screening benefits in all
directions from the adjacent properties and throughout the wider Cootharaba locality. The
existing vegetation will also significantly buffer and reduce the visual impact of the facility on
nearby residential allotments in all directions.
The chosen site is considered to demonstrate an appropriate balance of the above overall
outcomes whereby the facility has been appropriately located within an area which is
characterised by a predominantly low density rural area and will provide improved network access
to remote locations within the region. In conjunction with the natural vegetation screening, the
proposed location also provides an adequate separation distance from community sensitive land
uses and residential dwellings to assist in minimise the visual obtrusiveness of the facility as
follows:
• Separated from the Boreen Point township by approximately six kilometres;
• Setback more than 150 m from the closest residential dwelling; and
• Setback from public open space areas.
While it is acknowledged that the proposed facility will be an addition to the locality; it will not
obstruct any significant views or landmarks in the community. This is because the location of the
facility and wider vicinity of the area is not identified as containing any significant areas,
viewpoints or movement corridors in the Planning Scheme maps, namely as follows;
• The subject site is not identified on the Strategy Plan, Noosa Trail Network Map or
Transport Map as being located adjacent to or within vicinity to a Major Road Network;
• The subject site is not identified on the Noosa Trail Network Map as being located
adjacent to or within vicinity to any Existing or Future Trail Network;
• The subject site is not identified on the Pathways and Trunk Network Infrastructure Map
as being located within proximity of any pathways or bikepaths; and
• The subject site is not identified on the Heritage Overlay as being located within proximity
to any heritage sites or character areas.
In addition, visual impacts will be further mitigated by the slimline monopole design and be colour
matched to the surroundings (if requested by Council). Therefore it is considered that the
proposed facility will be effectively screened from nearby residential dwellings and other scenic
vistas and views from the surrounding area. Refer to Section 8.1 for further visual assessment.
The proposed facility has been appropriately located within a low density rural area and will not
adversely impact the rural zone as the facility has been intentionally within an unutilised section
of the road reserve. The establishment of the facility on the subject site will not affect the existing
or future use of the road reserve as it will occupy a relatively small compound area (300 m²) within
the larger road reserve.
The proposed facility will also be located a sufficient buffer distance from environmentally
sensitive locations and due diligence has been taken to ensure the proposed vegetation clearing
will not significantly impact on flora and fauna. This includes an ecological assessment and survey
(attached as Appendix 4) which found only least concern vegetation is required to be cleared and
no EVNT vegetation or fauna will be impacted upon during the construction of the proposed
facility.
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For these reasons, the proposed development is considered to meet the intent and overall
outcomes of the Boreen Point, Kin Kin & Cootharaba Locality Code. Further Compliance with the
Performance Criteria and Acceptable Solutions of the Boreen Point, Kin Kin & Cootharaba Locality
is included in Appendix 5 – Code Table Assessment.
7.2.2 Infrastructure Uses Code
A ‘Tower’ is considered as an Infrastructure Use within the Noosa Plan 2009 and is therefore
assessable against the Infrastructure Uses Code. The overall outcomes for the Infrastructure Uses
Code are contained below.
a) Residents and visitors have access to adequate levels of infrastructure to meet their needs;
b) Infrastructure Uses do not detract from the visual amenity of the major road network nor
on the rural or residential amenity enjoyed by residents of and visitors to Noosa;
c) Facilities are co-located where appropriate and practical;
d) Infrastructure uses are energy efficient;
e) Infrastructure Uses do not pose a threat to public safety;
f) The natural character and environmental values of Noosa are protected from adverse
impacts associated with Infrastructure Uses; and
g) Convenient, comfortable and safe access is provided with the design of infrastructure uses.
Compliance
The proposed telecommunications facility is considered to be appropriately located in order to
provide the Cootharaba locality with essential communication services, whilst mitigating potential
visual and amenity impacts.
The introduction of fixed wireless coverage will enhance the community’s potential in regard to
economic and social growth by providing equitable high speed and reliable internet and
communications, not currently provided throughout rural areas. Fixed wireless in the Cootharaba
area will aid economic development through potentially increasing business growth, increased
education potential and opportunities for residents/farmers to pursue supplementary incomes
through alternative business pursuits; ultimately improving the long term sustainability of
Cootharaba. Additionally, the introduction of a Telecommunication Facility will create an
opportunity for other carriers to co-locate.
The proposed facility comprises a 10 m x 30 m term lease (provisional Lot1 on SP277246) to be
located in the eastern section of the heavily vegetation road reserve. It is considered that the
facility has been sited appropriately to minimise detrimental environmental impacts. The location
of the facility supports compliance with the infrastructure code as follows:
• The proposed facility has been located as far away from residential dwellings as possible
while still being capable of providing service across the surrounding community;
• The establishment of the monopole on the subject site will not affect the agricultural
capabilities as it will occupy a relatively small term lease area (300 m²) of the larger road
reserve;
• the proposed facility is located a sufficient buffer distance from environmentally sensitive
locations and no vegetation removal will be required; and
• The proposal will have negligible impact on the environmental quality, ecological values
or the nature in the region as it is located in a modified rural area within road reserve.
The proposed facility is for a 40 m monopole and associated infrastructure. It is considered the
facility has been located and designed appropriately to minimise detrimental visual impacts. Site
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location and design elements of the proposal that support visual compliance with this Code are as
follows:
• The proposed development has been setback over 1 km from the Boreen Point Village;
• The facility has been located on a site surrounded by heavily vegetated areas which will
provide significant screening benefits from all areas of Boreen Point, but in particular the
residential dwellings to the south east, Lake Cootharaba to the east, Lake Flat Road and
the Boreen Point township; and
• The facility has been designed with the minimal required height and as a slim line
monopole, which can be colour matched to the surrounding vegetation;
The facility has been intentionally located within private land for which there is existing access
available. The site access is considered to be appropriate given the NBN Co facility will not be a
significant generator of traffic and is not anticipated to adversely impact on the surrounding road
network or residential amenity. The proposed facility will also have restrictions aimed at
preventing public access, including a secured compound fence with a locked gate and warning
signs placed around the facility.
It is considered the proposed facility is not inconsistent with the character of the area as it has
been appropriately located in a rural area where similar infrastructure is located, such as
powerlines, as they provide a necessary service.
For these reasons, the proposed development is considered to comply with the purpose and
overall outcomes of the Infrastructure Uses Code. Further Compliance with the Performance
Criteria and Acceptable Solutions of the Infrastructure Uses Code is included in Appendix 5 – Code
Table Assessment.
7.2.3 Earthworks Code
The Overall Outcomes of the Earthworks Code are the following –
a) To ensure that earthworks do not unreasonably impact on the natural environment or
other properties with regard to –
(i) Land stability (including differential settlement or expansion in reactive soils);
(ii) Contamination of land;
(iii) Flooding and drainage;
(iv) Groundwater, watercourses and wetlands;
(v) Loss of native remnant or regrowth vegetation; and
b) Earthworks are designed and constructed to be structurally sound.
Compliance
The proposed facility will be located within a lease area of approximately 300 m2. Earthworks
required to construct the facility will be minimal, limited to the extent required to establish
appropriate foundations for the monopole and will not result in any adverse impacts on land
stability, drainage, soil disturbance or existing amenity.
The proposed development will not impact on land stability as the facility has been sited outside
of areas identified as ‘Landslide Hazard Area’ on the Natural Hazard: Landslide & Flooding Overlay.
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Although the land may be susceptible to periodic flooding and drainage issues, the proposed
Telecommunication Facility is not for a habitable use and has been sited and designed to minimise
the hazards associated with flooding as follows;
• The foundations and earthworks are to follow engineering design standards and
stormwater dissipation is provided through the proposed gravel compound finish;
• The proposed facility will include an elevated steel grillage to raise the equipment
shelters;
• The proposal for a Telecommunication Facility is not a habitable use, does not generate
effluent run off; and
• Any discharge points will not affect downstream, upstream or underground streams on
any adjoining properties as the facility has been located away from watercourses and does
not produce effluent run off.
Whilst it is acknowledged vegetation clearing is required to establish the proposed facility, due
diligence and care has been taken to ensure only least concern vegetation is required to be
cleared. Specifically Aurecon ecologists undertook a flora and fauna survey within a 100 m buffer
of the proposed clearing and found that no EVNT fauna or flora species would be impacted upon
during the establishment of the facility (refer to Appendix 4).
For these reasons, the proposed development is considered to comply with the intent and overall
outcomes of the Earthworks Code, and further assessment is not required.
7.2.4 Landscaping Code
The Code for Landscaping is required to be assessed as part of this application. The Overall
Outcomes of this code state the following:
a) retains, reinforces and enhances the natural landscape character of the site, streetscape
and locality;
b) retains existing vegetation and other natural features for their ecological, aesthetic and
cultural values;
c) ensures the revegetation and rehabilitation of native wildlife habitat and riparian zones to
protect and enhance ecological and biodiversity values;
d) facilitates water management including on-site detention and the efficient infiltration of
stormwater;
e) enables the establishment of appropriate plantings that are of a scale and density
commensurate with building height, bulk and scale to buffer development and conflicting
land uses;
f) enhances privacy between dwelling units and accommodation units;
g) accommodates the outdoor recreation needs of dwelling occupants; and
h) provides adequate vegetation treatment to steep slopes and unstable landforms.
Compliance
The current development does not propose the establishment of additional landscaping. The
proposed facility in an area which will be bordered to the east, south and west (where existing
power and access is provided from the north) by existing mature vegetation will help reduce visual
dominance. Additionally, the facility only requires a relatively small footprint area (300m2).
Additional landscaping to screen the facility is not considered necessary.
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Therefore, the proposal is considered to have a minimal impact on the natural landscape or built
environment as the existing mature vegetation will be maintained and will act as a buffer.
7.2.5 Driveways and Carparking Code
The Code for Driveways and Carparking is required to be assessed as part of this application. The
Overall Outcomes of this code are:
a) Safe and reasonable access to and from vehicle accommodation and standing areas within
a property and from the public road is provided;
b) The safety of pedestrians and cyclists is protected;
c) Development reduces the reliance on private vehicles and promotes public and
nonmotorised transport options;
d) Carparking spaces and the associated manoeuvring areas provided are designed to be safe
and functional and meet the reasonable requirements of the particular land use;
e) Adequate provision is made for the standing, parking, loading and unloading, access and
manoeuvring of service vehicles within the development site;
f) Development does not adversely impact on existing public parking;
g) Adequate monetary contributions are made in circumstances where Council considers the
provision of external parking will fulfill the parking demand generated by the development
and will not have an adverse impact on existing public parking; and
h) Vehicular access does not impact adversely upon existing landscaping or native vegetation.
Compliance
The car parking requirements in the Code for Driveways and Carparking does not provide a
parking requirement for an ‘Infrastructure Use’. However, the points below demonstrate a general
compliance with the intent of the code:
• Access to the property is currently provided via the existing crossover from Davis Road;
• This access is considered to provide safe and convenient access to meet the needs of the
maintenance vehicles which will infrequently access the site;
• Adequate provision has been allocated for service vehicles to access the site and park
whilst undertaking maintenance works;
• The proposed development will not increase the number of people living or working in the
area and does not require the provision of any formal parking; and
• The site access is considered to be appropriate given the NBN Co facility will not be a
significant generator of traffic and is not anticipated to adversely impact on the
surrounding road network or residential amenity.
For these reasons, the development is considered to comply with the Driveways and Carparking
Code.
7.2.6 Biodiversity Overlay Code
The subject lot is identified within an ‘Environmental Enhancement Area’ on the Biodiversity
Overlay Map OM1.1. The Overall Outcomes relevant to the subject site are as follows:
a) The natural resources of the former Noosa Shire are conserved including—
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(i) land which is of scenic, cultural, historical, educational, recreational, scientific,
ecological, biodiversity, economic, social or aesthetic value;
(ii) soil or landforms such as watercourses, drainage lines, foreshores, dunes and
steep slopes;
(iii) the ecosystem health and quality of the water, land and other natural resources;
and
(iv) the extent and condition of native and remnant vegetation, including wetlands
and areas of significant regrowth of local origin;
b) The biological diversity of native flora and fauna and their habitats is maintained;
c) Wildlife corridors, vegetation links and riparian vegetation are conserved, managed and
rehabilitated to ensure the long term ecological viability and sustainability of native flora
and fauna species;
d) Activities that may impact upon vegetation are managed so as to minimise the impact
upon Noosa’s natural resources, including—
(i) the ecological values of water catchment areas;
(ii) that part of the natural environment that may be environmentally harmed by
vermin, pests, noxious plants or threats such as fire, development and
inappropriate land management; and
e) vistas and scenic amenity of the landscape;
f) The replanting or rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems and habitat is achieved;
g) In the case of urban areas, urban amenity, quality of life and ecosystem health is
maintained and enhanced.
Compliance
The proposed facility has been located within an unutilised section of a road reserve and outside
of areas mapped as ‘Riparian Buffer Area’, ‘Koala Habitat Area’ and ‘Environmental Protection
Area’, and set back from ‘Watercourses and Drainage Lines’ on the Biodiversity Overlay.
Although the subject site is mapped as containing ‘Environmental Enhancement Area’, the
location of the facility has been sited within a previously disturbed area of the Davis Road reserve,
south of an existing clearing for aerial power lines and access. Additionally, the development will
occupy a relatively small footprint within the site (300 m2) and will involve only minor vegetation
clearing of least concern vegetation and minor excavation works during construction of the
facility. As such, the development will not impact on existing ecological processes or natural
drainage as it is set back over 200 m from the closest mapped watercourse/drainage lines.
Whilst it is acknowledged vegetation clearing is required to establish the proposed facility, due
diligence and care has been taken to ensure only least concern vegetation is required to be
cleared. Specifically Aurecon ecologists undertook a flora and fauna survey within a 100 m buffer
of the proposed clearing and found that no EVNT fauna or flora species would be impacted upon
during the establishment of the facility (refer to Appendix 4).
For these reasons, the proposed is considered to comply with the Overall Outcomes of the
Biodiversity Overlay Code, and further assessment is not required.
7.2.7 Natural Hazards Area Code
The subject site is identified as containing ‘Medium Bushfire Hazard Area within the Bushfire &
Acid Sulfate Soils Overlay (refer to Figure 6.5). The Overall Outcomes relevant to the subject site
are as follows:
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a) development in areas at risk from natural hazards is compatible with the nature of the
natural hazard;
b) the risk to people, property and the natural environment from natural hazards is
minimised;
c) development does not result in a material increase in the extent or severity of natural
hazards; and
d) for acid sulfate areas—the generation or release of acid and associated metal
contaminants into the environment is avoided
Although the proposed facility is located within a Medium Bushfire Hazard area, the proposed use
will not increase the risk or impact of this natural hazard since it is within a previously disturbed
section of road reserve, where the foundations and earthworks are to follow engineering design
standards and will not use equipment that significantly increases the risk of fire. In addition no
buildings are proposed and the proposed development for a Telecommunication Facility is not
considered to be a habitable use and will not result in an additional increase in the number of
people living, working or congregating in the Bushfire Hazard Area.
For these reasons, the proposed development is considered to comply with the Natural Hazards
Area Code and further assessment is not considered necessary.
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8 OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS
AND OPPORTUNITIES
8.1 Visual Amenity
NBN Co has endeavored to strike a balance between providing services and minimising visual
impact on the community and local environment. Telecommunication towers need to be located
in or near the area for which they are designated to provide or improve coverage. This site was
selected based on consideration to town planning matters, coverage objectives, and the ability to
mitigate impacts on the area’s visual amenity.
The location of the proposed facility (provisional Lot 1 on SP27724) will be located in the Davis
Road reserve approximately 65 m east of the formed/bitumen section of Davis Road and
approximately 130 m south of Cootharaba Road. The road reserve is heavily vegetated and largely
unimproved, apart from a few sections that have been previously cleared for driveway access and
aerial power lines (i.e. directly north of the proposed facility location). The proposed facility will
utilise existing access and power infrastructure, in conjunction with mature vegetation screening
that will surround the facility to the east, south and west. Figures 8.1 and 8.2 illustrate the site
characteristics.
Figure 8.1: View looking east towards the proposed facility (arrowed) within the road reserve
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Figure 8.2: View looking east towards the proposed facility (arrowed) from Davis Road The site surrounds are characterised by large rural residential and agricultural grazing properties, and heavily vegetated hinterland and valley areas. The Boreen Point Rural Fire Brigade depot, which contains similar emergency communications infrastructure, is located approximately 100 m west of the proposal. The proposed facility will be set back approximately 150 m from the closest dwelling located to the north east. Figure 8.3 below provides an aerial photograph demonstrating the existence of existing mature vegetation in the surrounding area which will provide screening benefits in all directions from the adjacent properties and transport routes. NBN-4BBZ-4GYM-5125 – David Cootharaba Page 46
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Figure 8.3: View looking east towards the proposed facility (arrowed) from Davis Road As indicated in Figure 8.3 existing mature vegetation aligns Davis Road and Cootharaba Road and provides a buffer from the closest dwellings located to the east and west. The separation distances of at least 150 m from the closest dwellings, in conjunction with the mature vegetation where the tallest trees are approximately 25-30 m in height, will screen the majority of the facility from nearby roads and dwellings. As a result it is anticipated that only the top of the facility and headframe may be visible above the existing tree canopy from nearby dwellings, however these views will not be visually obtrusive or detract from the natural landscape and character of the area. When travelling along Cootharaba Road and Davis, it is considered that due to the winding nature of both roads, and the existing vegetation in the area, only a small portion of the top of the facility will be intermittently visible above the vegetation. Figures 8.4-8.8 below illustrates views looking towards the facility from both Davis Road and Cootharaba Road. Views from these locations are also not anticipated to be visually obtrusive as Cootharaba is travelled by motor vehicles only at a constant speed and does not provide any opportunities for vehicles to become stationary. NBN-4BBZ-4GYM-5125 – David Cootharaba Page 47
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Figure 8.4: View looking south west from Cootharaba Road towards the proposed facility (approximately 450 m
separation distance)
Figure 8.5: View looking south west towards the proposed facility from Cootharaba
Road (approximately 200 m separation distance) (Source: Google Earth)
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Figure 8.6: View looking south east towards the proposed facility from near the junction of Davis Road and
Cootharaba Road (approximately 170m separation distance) (Source: Google Earth)
Figure 8.7: View looking south east towards the proposed facility from Davis Road (approximately 140m
separation distance) (Source: Google Earth)
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Figure 8.8: View looking north east towards the proposed facility from Davis Road (approximately 140m
separation distance) (Source: Google Earth)
Figure 8.9: Aerial View and Location of Photos 8.4-8.8 (Source: Google Earth & QLD Globe)
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While it is acknowledged that proposed facility will be an addition to the locality; it will not
obstruct any significant views or landmarks in the community. This is because the location of the
facility and wider vicinity of the area is not identified as containing any significant areas,
viewpoints or movement corridors in the Planning Scheme maps, namely as follows;
• The subject site is not identified on the Strategy Plan, Noosa Trail Network Map or
Transport Map as being located adjacent to or within vicinity to a Major Road Network;
• The subject site is not identified on the Noosa Trail Network Map as being located
adjacent to or within vicinity to any Existing or Future Trail Network;
• The subject site is not identified on the Pathways and Trunk Network Infrastructure Map
as being located within proximity of any pathways or bikepaths; and
• The subject site is not identified on the Heritage Overlay as being located within proximity
to any heritage sites or character areas.
It is therefore considered the facility has been located and designed appropriately to minimise
detrimental visual and environmental impacts. Once established the facility will not adversely
impact upon the environment or scenic amenity as:
• The proposed facility is appropriately located in a rural area that is not void of man-made
structures such as power lines and sealed roads. In this context, the proposed facility is a
typical form of urban infrastructure used to support improved telecommunication
coverage in urban and rural areas.
• The facility has been located on a site surrounded by heavily vegetated areas which will
provide significant screening benefits from all areas of Cootharaba;
• The monopole was selected for the proposal due to its slim line appearance and minimal
visual obtrusiveness when viewed from a distance; and
• The monopole design is deemed to be more appropriate than a lattice tower as it can be
painted a colour that will provide for visual integration and camouflage the facility with
the surrounding landscape and vegetation
• Given the natural ground elevation, the height of the proposed facility can be restricted to
40 m and a monopole structure (compared to a larger bulkier lattice tower structure at
alternative candidates)
• The proposed 40 m monopole is the minimum required to achieve the required coverage
objectives and service the Cootharaba community (given the existing vegetation ranges
from 25-30 m in height, coupled with the undulating topography in the area).
Furthermore the transmission dish is required to be located at 37 m in height in order to
achieve absolute line of sight to an adjoining NBN facility located at Boreen Point North.
The proposed facility has been appropriately sited within a heavily vegetation road reserve and
located as far away from residential dwellings as possible, whilst still being capable of providing
service across the township and having minimal effect on the scenic amenity of the area. While it
is acknowledged that the proposed facility will be an addition to the locality, communication
facilities are now an acceptable part of the landscape (much like powerlines) as they provide a
necessary service and essentially contribute to the wellbeing to the Cootharaba area.
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8.2 Heritage In order to determine any possible natural or cultural values of state or national significance associated with the site, a search was conducted through the relevant Heritage Registers (refer to Appendix 6). As a result of this search, no known items of cultural, historical or environmental heritage significance were found to be located in the vicinity of the proposed facility. However, the duty of care outlined in the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 Duty of Care Guidelines will be exercised during construction and if at any time a cultural heritage find is made, all activities will cease immediately until further notice to proceed has been obtained from the relevant cultural heritage party. 8.3 Electrical Interference and Grounding of the Facility The NBN fixed wireless network is licensed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) for the exclusive use of the OFDMA2400 frequency band. As NBN Co is the exclusive licensee of this sub-band, emissions from NBN Co equipment within the frequency band should not cause interference. Filters will also help to ensure that each facility meets the ACMA specifications for emission of spurious signals outside the NBN Co frequency allocations. NBN Co intends to promptly investigate any interference issues that are reported. The facility is also designed to be grounded to the relevant Australian Standards – that is, the facility will be ‘earthed’. 8.4 Erosion, Sedimentation Control and Waste Management All erosion and sediment control mitigation measures will be detailed in construction plans and will be designed to comply with the Building Code of Australia and local Council standards. In addition, NBN Co’s contractors will be informed that they must comply with the ‘NBN Construction Specification' that requires contractors to undertake the necessary erosion and sediment control measures in order to protect the surrounding environment. On completion of the installation, NBN Co intends to restore and reinstate the site to an appropriate standard. No waste which requires collection or disposal should be generated by the operation of the facility. 8.5 Flora and Fauna Study Schedule 24, Part 1, 1(16) of the Sustainable Planning Regulations 2009, states that the clearing of native vegetation (identified on the VM Act Regulated Vegetation Management Maps) is not assessable under Schedule 3, Part 1, Table 4 Item 1 if it is clearing vegetation for community infrastructure mentioned in Schedule 2. Part 2, Item 3 of Schedule 2 lists communication network facilities (such as NBN Co. structures) to be community infrastructure. The site is identified within the DEHP flora survey trigger mapping as being within a ‘high risk’ area. Consequently, a protected plant flora survey was undertaken on 23 March 2015 by Aurecon NBN-4BBZ-4GYM-5125 – David Cootharaba Page 52
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in accordance with the Flora Survey Guidelines – Protected Plants. No EVNT species were observed within the clearing impact area during the flora field inspection. As there were no EVNT plant species identified in the clearing impact area, a clearing permit is not required under the NC Reg (Section 261ZA). However, as the clearing impact area is within a ‘High risk area’ on the Flora Survey Trigger Map this flora survey report has been provided to DEHP in order to gain an exemption under section 261ZA of the NC Reg. A fauna survey was also undertaken at the same time as the flora survey and no EVNT fauna species were present in the clearing impact area. The findings of the flora and fauna survey are attached as Appendix 4. The exempt clearing permit obtained from DEHP is also attached as Appendix 4. 8.6 Endangered Species In order to determine any possible Protected Species associated with the site an EPBC report was obtained (refer to Appendix 6). The EPBC Act Protected Matters Report illustrates that some protected species are present within the 1km radius search ring; however the proposal for a Telecommunications Facility is not considered an activity that will have a significant impact on any threatened or migratory species in the area. 8.7 Social and Economic Impacts Access to fast internet is an essential service in modern society. Initially, small to medium business customers accounted for a significant part of the demand for broadband technology, but internet services have now been embraced by the general public. Usage of internet services continues to widen as new technologies become progressively more affordable and accessible for the wider community. The proposed development should provide significantly enhanced fixed wireless internet coverage to the Cootharaba area. This is expected to be of particular benefit for residential dwellings and businesses in the locality. The new NBN is designed to provide the community with access to fast and reliable internet services. A reliable internet service is important to help promote the economic growth of communities, and the facility is anticipated to have significant social and economic benefits for the local community. 8.8 Public Safety 8.8.1 Radiofrequency Emissions In relation to public safety and specifically Electromagnetic Emissions (EME) and public health, NBN Co operates within the operational standards set by the Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) and Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency NBN-4BBZ-4GYM-5125 – David Cootharaba Page 53
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(ARPANSA). ARPANSA is a Federal Government agency incorporated under the Health and Ageing
portfolio and is charged with the responsibility for protecting the health and safety of both people
and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation (ionising and non-ionising).
All NBN Co installations are designed and certified by qualified professionals in accordance with all
relevant Australian Standards. This helps to ensure that the NBN Co facility does not result in any
increase in the level of risk to the public.
This facility is to be operated in compliance with the mandatory standard for human exposure to
EME – currently the Radio communications (Electromagnetic Radiation Human Exposure)
Standard 2003. The EME Report associated with this site is attached in Appendix 7. The report
shows that the maximum predicted EME will equate to 0.098% of the maximum exposure limit.
This is substantially less than 1% of the maximum allowable exposure limit (where 100% of the
limit is still considered to be safe).
Moreover, all NBN Co equipment has the following features, all of which help to minimise the
amounts of energy used and emitted:
• Dynamic/Adaptive Power Control is a network feature that automatically adjusts the
power and hence minimises EME from the facility.
• Varying the facility’s transmit power to the minimal required level, minimising EME from
the network, and
• Discontinuous transmission, a feature that reduces EME emissions by automatically
switching the transmitter off when no data is being sent.
8.8.2 Access
The proposed facility will have restrictions aimed at preventing public access, including a secured
compound fence with a locked gate and warning signs placed around the facility.
8.9 The Public Interest and the Benefits of Telecommunications
The proposed NBN Co facility is expected to have significant benefit for residents in the
Cootharaba and West Woombye areas. NBN Co believes that the public interest would be served
by approval of the proposal, given the public benefits for enhanced internet coverage for
residents and businesses within the area.
8.9.1 Other Benefits of Reliable Broadband Services
There are numerous other benefits of telecommunications connectivity, as follows: 2
• There are many potential educational benefits justifying the implementation of the NBN.
Curriculum and data sharing, increased availability and accessibility of research materials,
2 End user experience including the speeds actually achieved over the NBN depends on some factors outside NBN Co’s control
like the end user’s equipment quality, software, broadband plans and how the end user’s service providers designs its network.
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and virtual classroom environments are good examples. Such elements are particularly
beneficial within a tertiary education context.
• Businesses can, through internet usage, increase efficiency through time, resource and
monetary savings. Improved internet services effectively remove physical distance and
travel time as a barrier to business.
• Improvements to internet services may also be of benefit for local employees, by enabling
telecommuting and home business. The telecommuting trend is heavily reliant on access
to fast internet services, and is anticipated to continually increase in popularity.
The public benefits of access to fast internet have been widely acknowledged for many years.
Reliable internet access is now more than ever an integral component of daily life, so much so that
its absence is considered a social disadvantage.
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9 CONCLUSION NBN Co considers that the proposed facility, comprising a 40 m high monopole with attached antennas and equipment shelter has been sited in the most appropriate location whilst ensuring adequate coverage is achieved. NBN Co has undertaken a thorough analysis of potential site alternatives and during this process has attempted to select the most appropriate site. Factors such as the ability to meet the required coverage and technical objectives, opportunities for co-location, the surrounding landscape and community needs have all been carefully considered as part of this selection process. The facility has been strategically sited and designed to minimise visibility within the surrounding environment as much as practicable. In this regard NBN Co considers that the proposal satisfies the requirements of the Code, whilst also providing the Cootharaba community with access to fast, affordable and reliable internet access. NBN Co considers that the proposal is also consistent with the stated objectives and desired environmental outcomes of the Planning Scheme. It is considered that the proposal will provide an important community benefit to Cootharaba by providing coordinated and open access shared communication infrastructure, and therefore greatly improved fixed wireless internet coverage within the local area. Reliable internet access is now more than ever an integral component of daily life and the facility is anticipated to have significant social and economic benefits for the local community. NBN-4BBZ-4GYM-5125 – David Cootharaba Page 56