Davis Rd Cootharaba DA Planning Report

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.



NBN-4BBZ-4GYM-5125 – David Cootharaba                                           Page 6