Cooran - Development Application

3. SITE SELECTION
Planning for a new fixed wireless broadband facility is a complex process. nbn
conducts a rigorous multi-stage scoping process, as outlined below.


3.1 Identification of areas requiring Fixed Wireless coverage

nbn™’s Fixed Wireless locations are determined by a number of factors including
the availability of both the nbn™ Fibre transit network and the availability of
Point of Interconnect (POI) facilities to allow for the installation of nbn™ fibre
equipment. nbn 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 has identified a requirement to provide a Fixed Wireless facility at Cooran.
The facility is designed to provide Fixed Wireless internet services to
approximately 360 premises in Cooran, Pinbarren, Pomona and Traverston.


3.2 Site Selection Parameters

nbn 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 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
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