Development Application part 2 Report and Plans MCU13/0052

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VMA the subject site is mapped         containing both Regrowth an Remnant Regional
                                          as

Ecosystems. The proposed development will not require a permit or notification to the
DNRM as it will be located in a cleared area and appropriately set back from the identified
Remnant and Regrowth vegetation.


8.6       Flora and Fauna & Endangered Species

In order to determine any possible Endangered Species associated with the site an EPBC
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report was obtained (refer to Appendix 5). The EPBC Act Protected Matters Report
illustrates that some endangered species are likely to be present within the 1 km radius
search ring. However, the proposal for a Telecommunication Facility is unlikely to have a
significant impact on any threatened or migratory species in the area.


8.7       Social and Economic Impacts

High quality broadband internet access is a necessary service in modern society. Initially,
small to medium business customers accounted for a significant part of the demand for
broadband technology, but broadband services have now been embraced by the general
public. Usage of broadband services continues to widen as new technologies become
progressively more affordable and accessible for the wider community.

The proposed       development will provide significantly enhanced fixed wireless broadband
coverage to the locality of Boreen Point North. This will be of particular benefit to existing
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rural businesses and dwellings in the locality.


The new National Broadband Network will provide the community with far greater access
to high quality broadband services. Reliable broadband internet provision             is important to      .~
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facilitate the economic growth of communities, and the facility is likely 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 qnd Me,dia Authority (ACMA)and Au.stralian Radiation Protection and
Nuclear Safety Agency (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 frQm 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 ensures 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        (Electrom gnetic     Radiation   Human   Exposure)
Standard 2003. The EME Report associated with this s e is included in Appendix 6. The
report shows that the maximum predicted EME level will equate to 0.016% or greater than
4,760 times below 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 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.




NBN-4NBZ-4POM-5136      -
                            Boreen Point North                                             Page 53