2020-02-11 Planning & Environment Committee Agenda

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                               11 FEBRUARY 2020


The locality code seeks to protect remnant and regrowth vegetation as well as biodiversity and
habitat values.
The applicant has sought to reduce the number of trees to be removed, including retention of two
key mature trees which provide a substantial screening effect from neighbouring properties. The
number of trees to be removed has been further reduced in the latest amended plans to require
removal of 8 mature trees and 4 smaller trees.
The proposed tower is located outside of the Biodiversity Overlay area. The impact on vegetation
is considered to be minimal.
However, if the application were to be approved a condition requiring tree numbers 7053 & 7062
to be retained should be included in the decision notice as these two trees play a significant role
in screening the proposed tower from the neighbouring properties, particularly 250 Tablelands
Road.
The Mary River Catchment Locality Code expresses the intent to maintain the scenic qualities
afforded through rural amenity and environmental and recreational values.
It should be noted that while the surrounding area in proximity to the proposed tower holds high
scenic value, high voltage power lines, other NBN towers and various buildings and infrastructure
can be observed in the landscape. From the Cooran township and Risley Road, the existing Telstra
tower near Tablelands Road can also be observed.
The degree of impact varies between vantage points. Premises and vantage points visited and
assessed for visual impact are considered to be representative of similar premises with comparable
elevation, aspect or views. Many premises experience minor to negligible visual impact and this is
not considered to result in significant adverse impact on the visual quality of the locality. Those
which experience a higher degree of adverse impact are few, but are considered to result in conflict
with the outcomes sought for the Mary River Catchment Locality Code. These premises are
generally in direct line of sight, with the tower in the foreground. The view from the proposed house
site at 298 Tablelands Road, is such that the proposed tower is the only infrastructure
distinguishable in the foreground or background of the viewshed and is prominent and central to
the view.
Infrastructure Uses Code
The Infrastructure Uses Code seeks to consider the impact of towers on health & safety and
location and siting. These are discussed as follows:
Health & Safety
The proposed tower is located approximately 50 metres from the existing dwelling on the subject
site and approximately 100 metres from the closest neighbouring residence at 250 Tablelands
Road. The next nearest residence at 268 Tablelands Road is located 200 metres from the
proposed tower.
The applicant has provided a summary of the maximum cumulative radiofrequency (RF) and
electromagnetic energy (EME) levels at ground level emitted from the proposed tower, assuming
full power usage. The summary indicates the proposed tower will emit a maximum EME level from
the tower, which is 0.31% of the maximum acceptable public exposure limits to radiation as set by
the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency’s (ARPANSA) regulatory authority.
In comparison, the existing Telstra tower is reported to currently operate at 2.33%. As such, the
exposure levels of the proposal are well below the regulated levels of exposure. Fact sheets
obtained from the Australian Government ARPANSA website indicate that the agency has
examined international research that indicates that there are currently no established health effects
resulting from the low exposure to RF EME from NBN base station antennas.
Taking a precautionary approach to the sensitive issue concerning health and safety over time, if
approved, it would be prudent to require certification from the telecommunications carrier upon
request demonstrating annual compliance with the Health & Safety requirements compared to
ARPANSA regulations.

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