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NBN Planning Report_Cooran
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Planning Report Proposed Fixed Wireless Facility Schreibers Road Cooran QLD 4569 NBN Site Reference NBN-4BBZ-4GYM-5132-Schreibers 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 23 April 2015
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Document Control Record
Document prepared by:
Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd
ABN 54 005 139 873
Level 14, 32 Turbot Street
Brisbane QLD 45 00
Locked Bag 331
Brisbane QLD 45 01
Australia
T +61 7 3173 8000
F +61 7 3173 8001
E [email protected]
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Report Title Planning Assessment Report (Impact Assessment) Proposed Telecommunication
Facility at Schreibers Road, Cooran QLD 4569
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\Schreibers\Planning\DA Report
Rev Date Revision Prepared by Author Verifier Approver
Details/Status
01 2/04/2015 Draft AG AG CR CR
02 23/04/2015 Final AG AG CR CR
Current Revision Final
NBN-4BBZ-4GYM-5132-Schreibers 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 ...................................................................................... 13
4 SUBJECT SITE & SURROUNDS .......................................................................... 15
4.1 Site Details ........................................................................................................................ 15
4.2 Site Surrounds .............................................................................................................. 18
5 THE PROPOSAL ................................................................................................... 19
5.1 Facility and Equipment Details ..................................................................................... 19
5.1.1 Lease Agreement ............................................................................................ 19
5.1.2 Equipment to be Installed ................................................................................ 19
5.1.3 Access and Parking Details............................................................................. 19
5.1.4 Utility Service Details ....................................................................................... 20
5.1.5 Construction and Noise ................................................................................... 21
6 CURRENT PLANNING CONTROLS ..................................................................... 22
6.1 Commonwealth Legislation – The Telecommunications Act .......................................22
6.2 State Legislation – Sustainable Planning Act 2009 .....................................................22
6.2.1 Referral Agencies ............................................................................................ 22
6.2.2 State Development Assessment Provisions ...................................................23
6.2.3 State Planning Policy ...................................................................................... 23
6.2.4 Regional Plan .................................................................................................. 26
6.3 State Legislation – Vegetation Management Act 1999 ................................................26
6.4 State Legislation – Nature Conservation Act 1992 ......................................................27
6.5 Local Government Regulatory Framework .................................................................. 27
6.5.1 Planning Scheme Use Definition ..................................................................... 27
6.5.2 Zoning.............................................................................................................. 28
6.3.3 Overlays .......................................................................................................... 28
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7 PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS ........................................................................... 31
7.1 Desired Environmental Outcomes ............................................................................... 31
7.2 Applicable Codes ......................................................................................................... 33
7.2.1 Mary River Catchment Locality Code .............................................................. 34
7.2.2 Infrastructure Uses Code ................................................................................ 36
7.2.3 Earthworks Code ............................................................................................. 38
7.2.4 Driveway and Car Parking Code ..................................................................... 38
7.2.5 Landscaping code ........................................................................................... 39
7.2.6 Biodiversity Overlay Code ............................................................................... 40
7.2.7 Natural Hazards Overlay Code ....................................................................... 41
8 OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES .................. 42
8.1 Visual Amenity .............................................................................................................. 42
8.2 Heritage ........................................................................................................................ 49
8.3 Electrical Interference and Grounding of the Facility ...................................................49
8.4 Erosion, Sedimentation Control and Waste Management ...........................................49
8.5 Flora and Fauna Study ................................................................................................. 49
8.6 Endangered Species .................................................................................................... 50
8.7 Social and Economic Impacts ...................................................................................... 50
8.8 Public Safety................................................................................................................. 50
8.8.1 Radiofrequency Emissions .............................................................................. 50
8.8.2 Access ............................................................................................................. 51
8.9 The Public Interest and the Benefits of Telecommunications ......................................51
8.9.1 Other Benefits of Reliable Broadband Services ..............................................51
9 CONCLUSION ....................................................................................................... 53
10 APPENDIX ............................................................................................................. 54
Appendix 1 – Proposal Plans.................................................................................................. 54
Appendix 2 – Copy of Title...................................................................................................... 55
Appendix 3 – Code Table Assessment .................................................................................. 56
Appendix 4 – Environmental Searches .................................................................................. 73
Appendix 5 – ARPANSA EME Report .................................................................................... 74
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Executive Summary
Proposal NBN Co propose to install a new fixed wireless facility at Kurrimine
Beach comprised of the following:
40 m high monopole;
1 X parabolic dish antenna;
3 X panel antennas;
3 X remote radio units;
2
2 x <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 Schreibers Road is necessary to provide NBN
fixed wireless coverage to the Cooran locality.
Property Details Lot & Plan No: Lot 12 on RP883248
Street Address: Schreibers Road, Cooran QLD 4569
Size: 54.83 ha
Property Owner: Joshua Luke McDonald & Vanessa Jeanie McDonald
Town Planning Scheme
Council: Noosa Council
Planning Scheme: The Noosa Plan 2009
Zones: Mary River Catchment – Rural Zone
Overlays: Biodiversity Overlay, Natural Hazards (landslide & flooding)
Overlay, and Natural Hazards (Bushfire & Acid Sulphate Soils)
Use Definition: Infrastructures Use, Service & Utility (Type 3 –Tower)
Applicable Planning Policies Relevant Regional, State & Local Planning Policies Complies
South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031 Yes
State Planning Policy Yes
The Noosa Plan 2009 Yes
Application Use and development of the land for the purposes of construction &
operation of a Telecommunication Facility (Fixed Wireless facility)
Applicant NBN Co Limited (NBN Co)
c/- Aurecon Australasia
Locked Bag 331, Brisbane QLD 4001
Contact: Claire Harris
Our Ref: Schreibers - NBN
NBN-4BBZ-4GYM-5132-Schreibers Page 5
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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.
To support the Fixed Wireless component of this network, NBN Co requires a fixed wireless
transmission site to provide fixed wireless internet coverage to the rural outskirts of Cooran and
to serve as a key communications anchor point for other NBN Fixed Wireless facilities in the wider
Noosa Council region.
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,
located at Schreibers Road, Cooran; legally known as Lot 12 on RP883248.
This submission will provide assessment in respect of the relevant planning guidelines, and
demonstrates site selection on the basis of:
• The facility is designed so as to be appropriately located & sited so as to minimise visual
impact on the immediate & surrounding area;
• The facility is designed to comply with The Noosa Plan 2009 and Sustainable Planning Act
2009;
• The facility is designed to achieve the required coverage objectives for the area;
• The facility is designed to operate within the regulatory framework of Commonwealth,
State and Local Government; and
• The facility 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
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
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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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 Cooran. The facility is designed to provide Fixed Wireless internet services to dwellings in the rural outskirts of Cooran and the surrounding area, in addition to serving as a key communications link for other NBN Fixed Wireless facilities in the Noosa Council region. 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-5132-Schreibers Page 9
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3.3 Candidate Sites
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 three (3) candidates were selected for in-depth
investigation, as per Figure 3.1 below.
NBN Co endeavours to avoid locating telecommunications facilities in close proximity to
residential localities and potentially sensitive land uses, where practicable. It is important to note
that telecommunication facilities have to be close to the community they are servicing, to ensure
a quality and reliability of service. Therefore, some facilities are typically in close proximity to
residential land uses. At Cooran, the site selection has been constrained to maximise the physical
separation distances between the proposed facility and residential dwellings, and to co-site the
facility will similar infrastructure, namely the Powerlink stanchions. That said, NBN Co endeavours
to strike a balance between providing valuable services and minimising any visual impact on the
community and local environment. Figure 3.1 below indicates the location of the candidates
considered as part of the site selection process.
Figure 3.1 – NBN Co Candidate Sites (from Google Earth)
A summary of the candidates that were proposed 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 lodged a development
application with the Sunshine Coast
Regional Council in April 2013
(MCU13/0051) seeking approval for
the erection of a 35 m high
monopole on a 21 ha property
located within the ‘Mary River
Catchment – Rural Zone’ under the
Noosa Plan 2009. This site was
321 Coles Creek Road, Cooran initially chosen because it provided
New 35 m
B adequate coverage to the targeted
Lot 5 on RP176168 monopole
localities throughout rural area of
Cooran, whilst maximising physical
separation from community and
environmentally sensitive locations.
However, the development
application was subsequently
withdrawn in response to
community and Council feedback
and as a result alternative sites were
investigated.
Candidate C relates to the current
proposal and comprises the erection
of a 40 m high monopole on a 55 ha
parcel of land zoned as ‘Mary River
Catchment – Rural Zone’ under The
Noosa Plan 2009.
A 40 m high monopole in this
location is considered to be
appropriately located in order to
provide coverage to all of the
targeted localities throughout
Cooran, whilst achieving line of site
to the other NBN Fixed Wireless
Facilities.
Schreibers Road, Cooran New 40 m
C This site was determined to be the
Lot 12 on RP883248 monopole
most appropriate, available location
because it provided a significant
setback to most of the community by
locating it away from nearby
dwellings and by co-siting it near the
existing High Voltage (HV) power
stanchions. A facility at this location
will benefit from the existing
vegetation on the property and
within the wider area, which will
reduce potential visual impacts of
the facility in the surrounding area.
For these reasons, Candidate C was
considered the most viable option
and has been selected as the prime
candidate.
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This candidate comprised a new 50
D Jampot Creek Road, Cooran New 50 m+
m (minimum) high monopole on a
monopole
Lot 210 on NPW833 371 ha property zoned as ‘Mary
River Catchment - Open Space
Conservation’ under The Noosa Plan
2009. The subject site forms part of
the Tuchekoi National Park and is a
heavily forested area.
NBN Co endeavours to locate
facilities away from environmentally
sensitive locations, such as National
Parks and State Forests, which are
often protected at a National or
State level. Additionally, this location
has limited access to power, and
would require significant vegetation
removal to establish a cleared
corridor for power and access.
Therefore, there is a low degree of
confidence in locating the proposed
facility within the Tuchekoi National
Park would achieve a better planning
outcome.
A telecommunications facility
located within the Tuchekoi National
Park would require consent from the
Department of Natural Resources
and Mines (DNRM). DNRM requires
applicants to demonstrate that there
were no suitable alternative sites
available outside of the national park
as part of their assessment and
consent to allowing
telecommunications providers access
to a national park. For this reason,
NBN would not pass this basic
criterion for a new facility at Cooran.
Technically, this candidate
represented a poor location to
deliver reliable wireless broadband
services to the rural residential areas
of Cooran as it is more than 2km
from the centre of the rural
residential development, and more
than 3km from residences on the far
side of Coles Creek Rd. Both the
quality of the signal and the capacity
of the proposed facility (ability to
service simultaneous users) would be
compromised.
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3.4 Co-location Opportunities
The area of Cooran did not offer any feasible co-location opportunities. Figure 3.4 below
illustrates the location of existing telecommunication facilities in the wider area. As shown, the
closest telecommunication facility is located approximately 2.7 km south-east of Candidate C
(Prime) in the suburb of Federal. This facility is outside of the search area for Cooran and would
not provide reliable coverage for those residing in the township.
Existing Optus
Facility
Figure 3.4 Location of closest existing telecommunications facility to the proposed site (Source: Google Earth, QLD
Globe)
3.5 Prime Site Selection Reasons
Considering the factors identified above, Candidate C was ranked as the preferred location for the
facility as the site is able to meet NBN Co coverage objectives for Cooran, whilst maximising
separation and screening to nearby dwellings. In summary, the site is considered to be the best
option out of the three candidates assessed because:
• The proposed facility has been appropriately sited away from the nearby townships of
Cooran and Pomona, and located as far away from residential dwellings as possible
without compromising the service coverage to users in the locality;
• The location is sited near to an existing easement designated and used for HV power
stanchions, thereby co-siting the facility with similar infrastructure;
• The location is separated from the main residential areas and transport routes;
• The location is accessible to power and access, and provides the required line of sight to
other planned sites in the NBN wireless network;
• The location provides an adequate separation distance from environmentally sensitive
locations (ie. Approximately 120 m from the MSES Wetland (riverine) mapped area; and
approximately 20 m from the MSES Wildlife habitat mapped area);
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• No vegetation removal is required; and
• Existing mature vegetation surrounding the subject site will mitigate the visual
obtrusiveness of the facility when viewed from nearby residential dwellings and the road
network
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4 SUBJECT SITE & SURROUNDS
4.1 Site Details
The telecommunications facility is proposed to be located at Schreibers Road, Cooran. The site is
formally described as Lot 12 on RP883248 and has an approximate area of 54.83 ha. The
topography of the site is steep and undulating, ranging from 245 m AHD in the south-western
corner, to 112 m AHD in the north-western corner of the site. The relative height of the site at the
point where the facility is proposed is approximately 200 m AHD. The Local Government Authority
for the proposal is Noosa Council and the site is currently zoned as Rural under The Noosa Plan
2009. Figure 4.1 illustrates the proposed subject site and location of the facility (indicated in
yellow).
Proposed site
Figure 4.1: Proposed subject site and approximate location of facility (Source:
http://qspatial.information.qld.gov.au/IQAtlas/)
The subject site is currently used for agricultural purposes and contains a residential dwelling.
Traversing the site from the south-east to the north-west of the property is an existing electricity
easement designated and used for high voltage power stanchions. The subject site is bordered by
rural residential allotments, except along the northern boundary where Schreibers Road reserve is
located. Figure 4.2 illustrates the site location and characteristics.
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Powerlink
electricity
easement
Subject
site
Closest residential
dwelling
Proposed facility
Figure 4.2: Site location and characteristics (Source: Google Earth, QLD Globe)
The proposed facility will include a lease area measuring 11 m x 10 m (NBN compound) located in
the south-eastern portion of the subject site. The NBN compound will be set back approximately
15 m from the southern property boundary, approximately 585 m from the northern property
boundary (Schreibers Road reserve) and approximately 80 m from the eastern property boundary.
Figure 4.3 shows the proposed location of the facility on the subject site and Figure 4.4 shows the
location of the existing site access.
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Figure 4.3: Proposed location of the facility (arrowed) viewed from near the eastern property boundary looking west
Figure 4.4: Existing site access from Schreibers Road
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4.2 Site Surrounds
The subject site is bordered by rural residential dwellings to the south, east and west, and
Schreibers Road to the north. The surrounding properties are zoned as ‘Rural’ and used for
agricultural activities. The closest residential dwelling is located on the adjacent site,
approximately 445 m away from the proposed facility.
Nearby townships in the wider locality include Cooran (north-east), Pomona (east) and Traveston
(north-west). The wider locality also contains the Tuchekoi National Park, located to the north-
east of the subject site, and is an area of environmental and heritage significance.
Figure 4.5 below provides and aerial view of the subject site in the context of the surrounding
area.
Closest township of
Pomona
Tuckekoi
National Park
Figure 4.5: Aerial view of the subject site in the context of the surrounding area (Source: Google Earth)
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5 THE PROPOSAL
5.1 Facility and Equipment Details
5.1.1 Lease Agreement
NBN Co Limited will enter into two (2) x ten year consecutive leases with the land owner.
In accordance with section 10 of the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009, the definition of a
Reconfiguration of a Lot includes:
(d) dividing land into parts by agreement rendering different parts of a lot immediately
available for separate disposition or separate occupation, other than by an agreement
that is—
(i) a lease for a term, including renewal options, not exceeding 10 years
The proposed lease term will not trigger a Reconfiguration of a Lot application as the terms of the
lease will not exceed ten years.
5.1.2 Equipment to be Installed
Approval is sought for the use and development of a telecommunication facility, comprising a 40
m high monopole and two (2) x outdoor cabinets (one proposed and one future with base areas
less than 7.5 m2). The outdoor cabinets will be located on a proposed concrete slab situated at the
base of the facility within a secure compound which measures approximately 110 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 (2 m long) positioned behind the panel antennas. One (1) parabolic dish antenna (0.9 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
The NBN compound will be accessed from Schreibers Road via the existing driveway access to the
residential dwelling located on the subject site (approximately 500m long) with a proposed route
extending from the driveway to the site location (approximately 3 m wide and 750 m long). Figure
5.1 illustrates the existing access from Schreibers Road to be utilised to access the proposed NBN
Co compound.
The facility and all ancillary components will be constructed over the one title (Lot 12 on
RP883248). A copy of the title is provided in Appendix 2. Plans indicating the details of the
proposal are provided in Appendix 1.
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Figure 5.1: Proposed access (arrowed) looking south east
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 used 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 monopole;
• 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.
5.1.4 Utility Service Details
A new point of power supply will be required to operate the proposed facility. As the power
supply route will cross the Powerlink easement (Easement A on RP136904), referral to Powerlink
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will be triggered (refer to Section 6.2.1 of this report). Please refer to Drawing C2 of the Proposal Plans in 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-5132-Schreibers Page 21
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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 Noosa Plan 2009 (the Noosa Plan). 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 Noosa Plan apply. This development report has been compiled to accompany an Impact Assessable (Inconsistent) application to Noosa Council under the provisions of the Noosa Plan. The development proposal is assessed against the provisions of the Noosa Plan in Section 7.0 below. 6.2.1 Referral Agencies 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 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, since the commencement of the SARA provisions, there are a number of other entities that exist outside of SARA that hold jurisdiction for their own referral agency triggers. 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). NBN-4BBZ-4GYM-5132-Schreibers Page 22
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Under the SARA mapping, the site is mapped as containing Category A and B extract from the
regulated vegetation management map; water resources planning area boundaries; and the
South-East Queensland Regional Plan (SEQ Regional Plan) land use category – Regional Landscape
and Rural Production Area.
Whist the site is mapped as containing the abovementioned triggers, the location of the proposed
facility is situated outside of all these mapped areas, except for the SEQ Regional Plan mapping.
On this basis, Schedule 7, Table 3, Item 12 would apply to the development, which states:
12. A material change of use to which division 2 of the State planning regulatory provisions
of the SEQ region applies.
However, for the reasons mentioned in Section 6.2.4 of this report, Item 12 in Table 3 of Schedule
7 is not considered to trigger referral.
The proposed development also triggers Item 7 of Table 3 under Schedule 7, which is not mapped
under the SARA mapping. Item 7 states:
7. A material change of use not associated with reconfiguring a lot if-
a) any part of the premises is subject to an easement in favour of a distribution entity
or transmission entity under the Electricity Act 1994 and the easement is for a
transmission grid or supply network under that Act; and
b) any structure or work that is the natural and ordinary consequence of the use is or
will be, located completely or partly in the easement
The premise on which the proposed facility is to be located is subject to a High Voltage Powerlink
easement (Easement A on RP136904). The proposed route for the power supply to the
telecommunications facility will cross the Powerlink easement. Trenching works will be required
to be undertaken to install the underground section of the power supply. As such, the application
triggers referral to Powerlink as an Advice Agency.
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 the SPA (that,
is the Director-General of DSDIP), is responsible for assessing development applications as either
the Assessment Manager or as a Referral Agency.
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 replaced the multiple policies previously
in existence. It provided a consolidated planning policy that centralised all State interests through
the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDIP). Since the release of
SPP 2013, the Queensland Government is reforming the planning and development system and as
part of this reform process, SPP December 2013 has been amended. These amendments are
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incorporated in SPP July 2014 and are primarily related to environmental offsets and coastal
hazards.
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
The SPP is required to be assessed as part of the development application as the SPP has not yet
been integrated into the Noosa Plan. In this instance 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.
Table 6.2 - State Planning Policy Codes
State Interest Assessment Compliance
Biodiversity – A development application where The subject site is identified
• MSES - Wildlife the land relates to a matter of state under the SPP mapping as
environmental significance, if the containing Wildlife Habitat,
habitat
application is for: Regulated Vegetation
• MSES – Regulated (intersecting a watercourse) and
(a) operational work, or
Vegetation wetlands (riverine).
(b) a material change of use
(intersecting a The proposed facility is not
other than for a dwelling house, or
watercourse) considered to negatively impact
(c) reconfiguring a lot that
• MSES – Wetlands on Matters of State
results in more than six lots or lots
(riverine) Environmental Significance
less than five hectares.
(MSES), for the following
reasons:
Development: • The facility and proposed
(1) enhances matters of state extension to the existing
environmental significance where access route has been
possible, and
located outside of the
(2) identifies any potential significant
identified MSES areas;
adverse environmental impacts on
matters of state environmental • The proposed development
significance, and does not require vegetation
(3) manages the significant adverse clearing; and
environmental impacts on matters of • All construction activities
state environmental significance by will be managed to avoid
protecting the matters of state any sediment run-off during
environmental significance from, or the construction period in
otherwise mitigating, those impacts.
accordance with NBN’s
contractor’s Construction
Environmental Management
Plan.
Water Quality – Water quality is to ensure The proposed
• Climatic regions: development is planned, designed, telecommunication facility will
stormwater constructed and operated to manage not negatively impact on water
management design stormwater and wastewater in ways quality, for the following
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objectives that support the protection of reasons:
environmental values identified in • The need for drainage and
the Environmental Protection erosion/sediment control
(Water) Policy 2009. measures is unlikely given
the minor ground
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 proposed compound
2
area will be 110 m , which
is approximately 0.02% of
the overall site area. The
relatively small scale of the
development will not be a
significant generator of
additional runoff or cause
the degradation of the
water quality in nearby
catchments.
• No hazardous chemicals or
pollutants are proposed to
be stored within the NBN
compound.
Natural Hazards – A development application for a The subject site is identified
• Flood Hazard area* - material change of use, reconfiguring under the SPP mapping as being
Level 1 – Queensland a lot or operational works on land located within a Flood Hazard
Floodplain within: Area – Level 1 – Queensland
Assessment overlay • A flood hazard area, or Floodplain Assessment Overlay
• A bushfire hazard area, or and Flood Hazard Area – Level 1
• Flood hazard area* - • A landslide hazard area; or – Local Government Flood
Level 1 – Local • A coastal hazard area Mapping Area.
Government flood • For all natural hazards:
mapping area Development: However, the proposed use will
1. Avoids natural hazards areas or not increase the number of
mitigates the risks of the natural people living or working in the
hazards; and area, does not involve hazardous
2. Supports, and does not unduly materials, and will not increase
burden, disaster management the risk or impact of a natural
response or recovery capacity hazard.
and capabilities; and
3. Directly, indirectly and Furthermore, the site is proposed
cumulatively avoids an increase atop of the ridgeline at an
in the severity of the natural elevation of 200m AHD.
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
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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
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:
2
• has a total footprint less than 750 m
• 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
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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.
Notwithstanding this, the proposed development will not require vegetation clearing for the
installation of the NBN compound.
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 south-western section of the site is mapped as ‘high risk’ under the Protected Plants Flora
Survey Trigger Map. The proposed location of the NBN compound, near the south-eastern
property boundary, falls outside of this mapped area. Notwithstanding this, the proposed
development does not require vegetation clearing for the installation of the NBN compound.
6.5 Local Government Regulatory Framework
6.5.1 Planning Scheme Use Definition
The proposed development is defined within the Noosa Plan 2009 (the Noosa Plan) as follows:
• Primary Use: ‘Infrastructure Uses’
• Use Class: ‘Service and utility’
• Use: ‘Type 3 Tower’
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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
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
This site is within the ‘Mary River Catchment Locality - Rural Zone’ of the Noosa Plan. 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. Figure 6.1 below indicates the zoning of
the site.
Proposed facility location
Legend:
Figure 6.1: Zoning of the site is Rural (Source: The Noosa Plan 2009)
6.3.3 Overlays
The subject site is identified on overlay mapping under the Noosa Plan. The applicable overlays
include:
• Mary River Catchment Biodiversity Overlay – the subject site is identified as containing
‘Watercourses and Drainage Lines’ and ‘Environmental Protection Area’ (refer to Figure
6.2)
• Mary River Catchment Natural Hazard: Landslide & Flooding Overlay – the subject site is
identified as containing ‘Landslide Hazard Area’ and ‘Streams, Rivers and Drainage Lines’
(refer to Figure 6.3)
• Mary River Catchment Natural Hazard: Bushfire & Acid Sulfate Soils Overlay – the subject
site is identified as containing ‘Medium Bushfire Hazard Area’ (refer to Figure 6.4)
The provisions relating to these overlays are assessed in Section 7 of this report.
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Proposed facility location
Legend:
Figure 6.2: Mary River Catchment Biodiversity Overlay (Source: The Noosa Plan 2009)
Proposed facility location
Legend:
Figure 6.3: Mary River Catchment Natural Hazard: Landslide & Flooding Overlay (Source: The Noosa
Plan 2009)
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Proposed facility location
Legend:
Figure 6.4: Mary River Catchment Natural Hazard: Bushfire & Acid Sulfate Soils Overlay (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 Noosa
Plan, which include the relevant codes.
7.1 Desired Environmental Outcomes
Assessment against the Desired Environmental Outcomes (DEOs) is required as the
application is Impact Assessable. An assessment against those DEOs which are determined
to be relevant for this proposal is contained below:
Desired Environmental Outcome Compliance
3.1.3 (a) Agricultural Uses Complies.
Agricultural industry is maintained by— The subject site is currently used for agricultural
(i) conserving land for economically viable and land uses, predominantly cattle grazing. The
environmentally sustainable agricultural proposed development will not compromise the
purposes; agricultural capabilities or practices of the site or
surrounding land uses as the establishment of
(ii) preventing the fragmentation of good quality
the proposed facility will occupy a relatively small
agricultural land; lease area (110 m²) of the total 55 ha of land and
(iii) facilitating the growth of non-traditional, is also located on the periphery of the site on
though high value, crops which have minimal cleared land to avoid interference with the
impact on the natural environment or agricultural uses undertaken on-site.
adjacent crops;
(iv) facilitating the growth of non-traditional The introduction of fixed wireless coverage will
enhance the community’s economic wellbeing
animal husbandry practices such as
and social growth. Fixed wireless in the rural
aquaculture where it does not alienate good outskirts of Cooran will aid economic and social
quality agricultural land or have a growth and diversification within the agricultural
detrimental impact upon the environment; sectors of the Council, and create an opportunity
(v) protecting agricultural pursuits from for supplementary incomes and business
incompatible uses; pursuits.
(vi) facilitating the growth of farm forestry
Therefore the proposal is consistent with DEO
practices;
3.1.3 (a).
(vii) value adding to farm produce to enhance
economic viability; and
(viii) adopting water and energy efficient
practices.
3.1.3 (c) Community Uses and facilities Complies.
An adequate range of community services and The proposed development is considered an
facilities supporting the physical, safety, artistic essential community service for residents within
and social needs of the community are equitably the Cooran locality.
distributed having regard to the-
(i) Location and density of housing The proposed facility will provide improved
(ii) Location of transport infrastructure communications network access to remote
(iii) Location of business centres locations within the region to help service
current and future residents needs by providing
(iv) Social, economic and demographic patterns
access to efficient and reliable broadband
of Noosa; and services.
(v) Functions of towns and villages
The use has been appropriately located adjacent
to other community services, including significant
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electricity infrastructure, and is well removed
from community sensitive locations (the closest
being the Federal State School, approximately
2.25 km from the facility).
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 on
culture and traditions are reflected in the built freehold land for which there are no heritage
and natural heritage of Noosa and are preserved items identified.
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 proposed development will be located on a
Networks of open space and natural habitat, private property which contains patches of
vegetated lands, and riparian zones along vegetation near the subject site. The proposed
watercourses- facility has intentionally been located outside of
(i) Are sensitively managed and protected from environmentally sensitive areas, including
any adverse impacts, including cumulative remnant or EVNT vegetation and MSES
impacts, resulting from development; watercourses. The proposal will not require the
removal of any vegetation.
(ii) Set Noosa apart from other coastal parts of
south-east Queensland by strongly Large areas of mature vegetation also exist in the
protecting the natural environment surrounding areas, generally located to the south
(iii) Support the economy through the tourism and west of the site. This vegetation will not be
industry impacted and will help to mitigate potential
(iv) Define the boundaries to or of each of the visual impacts associated with the development.
distinct localities of Noosa;
Furthermore, the facility has been intentionally
(v) Protect water quality, landscape stability and
located within private rural land to avoid areas of
biodiversity significant natural resources and to minimise
(vi) Provide passive, nature-based recreational potential environmental impacts associated with
and educational opportunities; the development. The NBN compound will
(vii) Enhance visual amenity; and occupy a small land area within the site,
2
(viii) Provide linkages beyond Noosa’s boundaries. measuring 110m .
There are no other significant conservation areas
present within the subject site.
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 service as
telecommunications and waste disposal, per DEO 3.1.3 (i).
caters for the needs of residents and visitors,
The locality of Cooran has been identified for
relative to their location within Noosa development of a new facility to provide
(ii) the ongoing viability of existing broadband services to residents, visitors and
infrastructure uses and facilities are businesses within the area. The facility will serve
protected from the impacts of future as a key link in the NBN network, connecting
development. Kybong to the network.
To minimise amenity impacts, the facility has
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been appropriately co-sited with existing, similar
infrastructure uses, namely the power
stanchions, located on site.
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.
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:
• Have negligible impact on the environmental quality, ecological values or the natural
resources in the region as it will be located in a previously cleared area 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 residential areas and tourist routes and screened
by existing vegetation; and
• Support 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 identified as an inconsistent use and is Impact Assessable within the
‘Rural’ zone, assessment against the applicable Codes of the Noosa Plan is required. The
Codes relevant to the subject application are outlined below:
• Planning Area Codes
o Mary River Catchment Locality Code
• Development Codes
o Land Use Codes
Infrastructure Uses Code
o General Development Codes
Earthworks Code;
Driveways and Car Parking Code;
Landscaping Code;
Biodiversity Overlay Code; and
Natural Hazard Overlay Code
• Overlay Codes
o Mary River Catchment Biodiversity Overlay;
o Mary River Catchment Natural Hazard: Landslide & Flooding Overlay;
and
o Mary River Catchment Natural Hazard: Bushfire & Acid Sulfate Soils
Overlay
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7.2.1 Mary River Catchment Locality Code
A ‘Tower’ in the Mary River Catchment Locality is assessable against the Mary River
Catchment Locality Code. The Overall Outcomes for the Mary River Catchment 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 acoustic and visual qualities; and
iv. avoid significant impacts to native habitat including fragmentation, attrition, or
removal of vegetation or significant habitat features;
b) The Mary River Catchment retains its primary role as a rural and open space area,
supporting a range of sustainable Agricultural Uses;
c) The rural character, lifestyle and level of accessibility enjoyed by residents of the
locality is maintained;
d) Agriculture remains a significant part of the economic activity across the locality
through—
i. ensuring that traditional Agricultural Uses, including small cropping, cattle
grazing and dairying are continued, especially on the better agricultural land on
and adjacent to the valley floors;
ii. ensuring that Agricultural Uses and land suited to agricultural activities are
protected; and
iii. promoting farm forestry within the locality;
e) The scale and form of buildings and other structures are—
i. designed to be responsive to the rural character and amenity of the locality;
ii. designed to retain strong historical connections through the use of sensitive and
traditional building forms; and
iii. integrated into the landform and landscape;
f) Residential development, for both residents and visitors;
i. low impact buildings of a domestic scale within densely landscaped settings; and
ii. buildings that are well articulated and use traditional design elements consistent
with the Queensland vernacular building style of the locality;
g) Home-based businesses are promoted where they are consistent with the amenity of
the locality and environmental qualities;
h) Opportunities are provided for low impact, short stay visitor facilities, in the form of
farmstay and bed and breakfast accommodation;
i) Significant tertiary clay resources south east of Pomona are protected from land uses
which would potentially impact on the utilisation of those resources;
j) The impacts associated with any new extractive industry, changes to existing
industry and the rehabilitation of extractive industries are prevented or mitigated;
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k) Recreation values are protected and enhanced through the maintenance of the
scenic and environmental values of the locality;
l) Noosa’s open space network is protected and supports a range of recreational
opportunities within the locality focusing on—
i. the Cooran Tablelands, Mt Cooroora and Black Mountain;
ii. Six Mile Creek;
iii. the Noosa Trail Network, and
iv. day and weekend tripping through Noosa’s hinterland, where the facilities
available in the rural towns and villages of Pomona and Cooran support these
activities;
m) The environmental and cultural heritage values of the locality are protected and well
managed;
n) Areas of native remnant or regrowth vegetation, including their biodiversity and
habitat values are protected;
o) The water quality of watercourses within the locality is maintained and enhanced;
q) For Cooran—
i. Cooran is retained as a small rural village with defined urban boundaries;
ii. The village character reflects both its timber getting heritage and its family
orientated focus;
iii. The small scale character is derived from the maintenance of low density
residential living on relatively large urban allotments and rural settlement
allotments;
iv. The low key commercial, retail and industrial functions of the village are
maintained to cater for the day to day needs of local residents;
x) 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 identified as an inconsistent land use within the Mary River
Catchment Locality - Rural Zone. However, the subject site is considered to be appropriate
to accommodate the proposed fixed wireless facility with minimal potential visual and
amenity impacts whilst ensuring there are no detrimental effects to the use of the land and
surrounds.
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.
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The current site is considered to demonstrate an appropriate balance of the above goals. The NBN compound has been appropriately co-sited near similar infrastructure, namely the Powerlink stanchions, and is located within a setting which is characterised as a rural residential area. The proposed facility will provide improved network access to remote locations within the region. The proposed location provides a significant separation distance (in excess of 500 m) from community sensitive land uses and is well removed from major transport routes, the closest being the Bruce Highway, which is located approximately 1.4 km to the south of the subject site. Furthermore, the surrounding locality contains extensive areas of established mature vegetation, particularly along ridgelines and rises, which will mitigate the potential visual impacts associated with the development. The proposed facility will be located on a ridgeline that is heavily vegetated to the south and west of the proposed location. The properties located to the east of the subject site and north of Schreibers Road also contain patches of dense vegetation. There are clusters of existing vegetation located on the subject property and near the proposed location of the facility which will assist in integrating the slimline monopole into the surrounding landscape. The presence of extensive, mature vegetation in the surrounding area, coupled with the undulating and steep terrain, will minimise the visual dominance of the structure, particularly when viewed from dwellings located to the south and north of the proposed facility (refer to Section 8). Therefore, the proposed facility will be effectively screened from nearby dwellings and is a suitable and consistent use for this particular area. The proposed facility has been appropriately located within a rural area and will not adversely impact the rural zone as the facility has been intentionally located on private rural land to avoid areas of significant natural resources and minimise potential environmental impacts associated with the development. The establishment of the monopole on the subject site will not affect the agricultural and grazing capabilities of the site as it will occupy a relatively small lease area (110 m²) of the total 55 ha of land and is located on the periphery of the site. The location also offers a sufficient buffer distance from environmentally sensitive locations and no vegetation removal is required. While it is acknowledged that the proposed facility will be an addition to the surrounding landscape, the current character of the area is not void of man-made structures and is characterised by large rural residential allotments in conjunction with essential infrastructure. The wider vicinity of the area contains a number of existing infrastructure uses, including the Bruce Highway (located approximately 1.2 km south), an existing Optus Facility (located approximately 2.6 km south), and an existing Powerlink electricity transmission easement located on-site. Therefore, it is considered the proposed facility is not inconsistent with the character of the area as the proposed facility has been appropriately designed and located to minimise potential impacts. Telecommunication facilities are now an accepted part of the landscape, much like powerlines, as they provide a necessary service and will essentially contribute to the wellbeing of the Cooran region. For these reasons the proposal is considered to comply with the Overall Outcomes of the Mary River Catchment Locality. Further compliance with the Specific Outcomes and Probable Solutions is included in Appendix 3 – Code Table Assessment. 7.2.2 Infrastructure Uses Code A ‘Tower’ is considered as an Infrastructure Use within the Noosa Plan and is therefore assessable against the Infrastructure Uses Code. Section 14.372 of the Noosa Plans lists overall outcomes for the Infrastructure Uses Code, which includes the following: NBN-4BBZ-4GYM-5132-Schreibers Page 36
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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 Cooran locality with essential communication services, whilst minimising
potential visual and amenity impacts.
The proposed facility will provide improved network access to remote locations within the
region to help service current and future residents needs and has the potential to add to the
economic viability by providing access to efficient and reliable broadband services.
Potential visual and amenity impacts have also been considered in the site selection process.
The subject property and surrounding area contain large areas of mature vegetation,
particularly along the ridgelines to the south, east and west of the proposed NBN
compound. This vegetation will help to mitigate potential visual impacts and provide
screening of the facility from the surrounding area. As the proposed facility is located on a
cleared area of the site, no vegetation clearing is proposed as part of the subject application.
It is recognised that the facility will be a new introduction to the locality. However,
telecommunications facilities are required to be located within the area they are intended to
serve. The proposed new infrastructure has been co-sited near to the Powerlink stanchions
to maintain consistency in the current land use of the property and to reduce the visual
effect and distribution of such infrastructure through the Cooran area. Furthermore, the
proposed facility has been set back from Schreibers Road, approximately 600 m, to reduce
visual dominance of the facility when viewed by motorists.
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 located to minimise
the impacts on the rural activities undertaken on-site. The facility has been intentionally
located near the southern property boundary, to reduce the disturbance of the agricultural
and grazing capabilities of the site. Furthermore, the NBN compound will occupy a relatively
small lease area (110 m²) of the total 55 ha of land, which will prevent the fragmentation of
productive land.
The facility has been intentionally located on privately 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. The proposed facility will also have restrictions aimed at
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preventing public access, including a secured compound fence with a locked gate and
warning signs placed around the facility.
For these reasons the proposal is considered to comply with the overall outcomes for the
Infrastructure Uses Code. Further compliance with the Specific Outcomes and Probable
Solutions for the Infrastructure Uses Code is included in Appendix 3 – 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 110 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.
No vegetation clearing is required for the installation of the proposed facility.
For these reasons, the proposed development is considered to comply with the intent of the
Earthworks Code, and further assessment is not required.
7.2.4 Driveway and Car Parking Code
The Code for Driveways and Car parking 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) Car parking 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;
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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 fulfil 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 Driveway and Car Parking does not provide a
parking requirement for an ‘Infrastructure Use’. However, the points below demonstrate a
general compliance with the intent of the code:
• The proposed facility will be accessed via an existing access point off Schreibers Road
and an internal access track (approximately 1.25 km long).
• This access track 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 Car
parking Code.
7.2.5 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
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The current development does not propose the establishment of additional landscaping. The
proposed facility is located in the south-eastern corner of the property in an area, which is
bordered by existing mature vegetation and is set back from existing dwellings and the road
network in order to reduce the visual dominance. The provision of landscaping to screen the
facility is not considered to provide additional screening benefits beyond what is provided by
the existing vegetation on-site and in the surrounding area and the significant distance to
any public viewpoints. Therefore, the proposal is considered to have a minor impact on the
natural landscape and built environment as the existing mature vegetation will be
maintained and will act as a visual buffer.
7.2.6 Biodiversity Overlay Code
The subject lot is identified as containing ‘Watercourses and Drainage Lines’ and
‘Environmental Protection Areas’ within the Biodiversity Overlay (refer to Figure 6.2). The
Overall Outcomes relevant to the subject site are as follows:
a) The natural resources of the former Noosa Shire are conserved including—
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
iii. vistas and scenic amenity of the landscape;
e) The replanting or rehabilitation of degraded ecosystems and habitat is achieved;
f) In the case of urban areas, urban amenity, quality of life and ecosystem health is
maintained and enhanced.
Compliance
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The proposed facility has been located within a freehold rural property which is currently
used for agricultural grazing purposes. Although the subject site is mapped as containing
‘Watercourses and Drainage Lines’ and ‘Environmental Protection Areas’, the location of the
facility is well removed from these identified natural areas and within a highly modified
agricultural environment. In addition, the development will occupy only a small footprint
within the site (approximately 0.02% of the total site area) and will involve minor excavation
works to install the facility. As such, the development will not impact on existing ecological
processes or natural drainage systems within the site and will not involve the removal of any
vegetation. For these reasons, the proposed facility is considered to comply with the Overall
Outcomes of the Biodiversity Overlay Code and further assessment is not required.
7.2.7 Natural Hazards Overlay Code
The subject site is identified as containing ‘Landslide Hazard Areas and Streams’ within the
Landslide & Flooding Overlay (refer to Figure 6.3) as well as ‘Medium Bushfire Hazard Areas’
within the Bushfire & Acid Sulfate Soils Overlay (refer to Figure 6.4). The Overall Outcomes
relevant to the subject site are as follows:
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
Compliance
As the subject site is identified within the ‘Landslide Hazard Areas’, ‘Streams’ and ‘Medium
Bushfire Hazard Areas’ of Council’s mapping, the Natural Hazards Overlay Code applies to
this application.
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 as the subject site is already cleared
of vegetation. In addition, the foundations and earthworks will be compliant with
engineering design standards and will not include the use of equipment that significantly
increases the risk of fire. Furthermore, no buildings are proposed and the
Telecommunications Facility is not a habitable use. Therefore, the proposed facility will not
result in an increase in the number of people living, working or congregating in the Bushfire
Hazard Area.
The facility is also located within a Landslide Hazard Area. The proposed use will not increase
the risk or impact of this natural hazard as it will be constructed on relatively level land and
is not considered to be unstable. Earthworks required to construct the facility will be
minimal and will not result in any adverse impacts on land stability.
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 endeavoured to strike a balance between providing services and minimising the
visual impact on the community and local environment. Telecommunication facilities 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.
It is recognised that the installation of fixed wireless facilities may have a visual effect. This
visual effect can be attributed to two unavoidable characteristics of fixed wireless facilities:
• They are structures which generally protrude above other structures and vegetation;
and
• They need to be located at suitable heights in order to operate effectively.
These characteristics mean that by necessity, fixed wireless facilities may be and often are
visible in urban and rural landscapes.
A number of measures have been incorporated into the design of the facility at Schreibers
Road, Cooran to address the visual effect of the facility, including:
• The use of a monopole design rather than a lattice tower due to its slimline form
and reduced bulk;
• The monopole has been designed to the minimum height necessary to achieve the
required radio frequency coverage to the Cooran community, as well as absolute
line of sight for transmission of the customer’s data into the NBN Network and Fibre
Backbone (where the parabolic dish is located at 37 m which is the minimum height
required to see the adjoining facility at Kybong) ;
• The facility has been sited near to mature vegetation which will reduce the visual
obtrusiveness of the facility when viewed from outside of the property boundaries;
• The location provides an appropriate buffer, by both the physical separation
distances afforded by large rural allotments and vegetation screening the facility,
from residential land uses and the road network in Cooran;
• The proposed facility will be silhouetted by the existing vegetated backdrop which
will further reduce its visual impact on the local landscape when viewed from
dwellings south of the proposed facility
• The proposal will not obstruct any significant views in the locality as it is located on
the periphery of the township and set back from nearby residential dwellings and
Schreibers Road; and
• The proposed facility will be set back approximately 600 m from Schreibers Road
and 1.4 km from the Bruce Highway, a State-controlled road to minimise visual
obtrusiveness.
Figure 8.1 illustrates an aerial view of the subject property and Figure 8.2 shows the
approximate location of the NBN compound on the premises.
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Powerlink
electricity
easement
Subject
site
Closest residential
dwelling
Proposed facility
Figure 8.1: Aerial view of the subject property (in red) and Powerlink easement (in green)
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Subject site of
proposed facility
Figure 8.2: Approximate location of subject site
The proposed facility is situated in a rural setting on a large rural residential allotment
(approximately 55 ha) used for agricultural purposes, namely cattle grazing. The site also
contains an existing high voltage electrical easement used by Powerlink, shown in Figure 8.1.
Figure 8.2 illustrates the undulating terrain and the presence of vegetation on the subject
property and in the surrounding area, which will make the facility less discernible when
viewed from the surrounding area.
NBN Co acknowledges that the closest dwellings located south of the proposed location at
211 Schreibers Road, Cooran may have potential views towards the facility (depending on
the orientation of the dwelling). Figure 8.3 illustrates the location of the proposed facility
from the driveway of the closest residential dwelling, located at 211 Schreibers Road.
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Approximate location
of Proposed Facility
Existing high voltage
Powerlink stanchion
Figure 8.3: View towards proposed location of the facility (arrowed) looking south from nearby
the closest dwelling on Schreibers Road (approx. 595 m separation distance).
It is anticipated that potential views towards the facility from the closest dwellings will be
mitigated and reduced by the following factors:
• The facility has been set back approximately 445 m from the closest existing
residential dwelling and near to mature vegetation (approximately 10-15 m high),
which will provide some screening of the facility when viewed from the south;
• The proposed facility will be silhouetted by the existing vegetated backdrop which
will further reduce its visual impact on the local landscape when viewed from the
closest dwelling and from the north of the site;
• The steep and undulating topography of the surrounding area will further reduce
the visibility of the facility; and
• The wider area also contains existing man-made elements, including the existing
Powerlink easement which traverses the subject property, and will assist with
visually integrating the monopole within its surroundings. The closest stanchion is
located the subject property, approximately 230 m north of the proposed facility, in
direct line of view with the closest residential dwelling.
Figure 8.4 illustrates the rural character of the area and the locations of the photographs
taken to demonstrate the potentials views of the proposed facility from the surrounding
area.
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Figure 8.4 Location of photographs taken of proposed facility shown in Figures 8.1, 8.3-8.5 As seen in Figure 8.4, the surrounding properties consist of large, rural residential allotments and the closest township of Pomona is located approximately 5 km away from the proposed facility. The rural land use of the locality limits development and increases the physical separation distances between the facility and potentially sensitive receptors. Figures 8.5 to 8.7 illustrate views toward the proposed facility from Schreibers Road. NBN-4BBZ-4GYM-5132-Schreibers Page 46
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General direction of
Proposed Facility
High voltage
stanchion within
Powerlink easement
Figure 8.5: View towards proposed location of the facility (arrowed) looking south-east from
Schreibers Road near to the driveway to the subject property (approx. 830 m separation
distance).
General direction of
Proposed Facility
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Figure 8.6: View towards proposed location of the facility (arrowed) looking south-east from near
the residential dwelling located at 327Schreibers Road (approx. 1.4 km separation distance).
General direction of Proposed
Facility (located approximately
1.4 km behind vegetation)
Figure 8.7: View towards proposed location of the facility (arrowed) looking south-west from
nearby the residential dwelling located at 103 Schreibers Road
The distinguishing features of the locality, as seen in the above figures, show an undulating
terrain, extensive vegetation (including tall, mature trees) located on the rural properties
and road corridors, and large rural residential allotments, which will reduce the visual
impact of the proposed facility. The topography will inhibit views of the proposed facility,
particularly when viewed from Schreibers Road and most of the residential dwellings in the
surrounding area, which are located near to the base of the ridgeline that the facility is
proposed to be located atop of (refer to Figure 8.4).
The surrounding locality contains extensive areas of established mature vegetation,
particularly along the ridgelines and rises in the terrain, which will help to mitigate the
potential visual impacts associated with the development. The proposed facility is located
on a ridgeline that is heavily vegetated to the south and west of the proposed location. The
properties located to the east of the subject site and north of Schreibers Road also contain
patches of dense vegetation. There are clusters of existing vegetation located on the subject
property and near the proposed location of the facility, which will assist in integrating the
slimline monopole into the surrounding landscape. The presence of extensive, mature
vegetation on the surrounding properties and within the Schreibers Road corridor, coupled
with the undulating and steep terrain, will make the facility less discernible when viewed
from these areas, as shown in Figure 8.6 and Figure 8.7. Therefore, the proposed facility will
be effectively screened from nearby residential dwellings and is considered a suitable use
for this particular area.
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Furthermore, the existing high voltage stanchions located within the Powerlink easement, which traverses across a number of the residential properties will (as seen in Figure 8.5), will ensure consistency in the current land uses of the area. By co-siting the proposed facility near the existing Powerlink stanchions will reduce the visual effect and distribution of such infrastructure throughout the Cooran area. While it is acknowledged that the proposal may be visible from certain locations within the Cooran locality, telecommunications facilities are considered to be an acceptable part of this locality. As such, the proposed telecommunication facility is considered to be appropriately sited to minimise visual impact and is not inconsistent with the current land uses of the area. 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 4). 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 OFDMA2300 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 NBN-4BBZ-4GYM-5132-Schreibers Page 49
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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 Nature Conservation Act 1992 (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. The location of the proposed development is outside of the ‘high risk’ mapping area shown in the Protected Plants Flora Survey Trigger Map (refer to Appendix 4). Notwithstanding this, no vegetation clearing is proposed for the installation of the NBN compound. 8.6 Endangered Species In order to determine any possible Protected Species associated with the site an EPBC report was obtained (refer to Appendix 4). The EPBC Act Protected Matters Report illustrates that some protected species are present within the 1km radius search ring and the proposed site is located upstream from the Great Sandy Strait RAMSAR wetlands. 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 or on the RAMSAR wetlands. 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 locality of Cooran. This is expected to be of particular benefit for residential dwellings 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 (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). NBN-4BBZ-4GYM-5132-Schreibers Page 50
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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
5. The report shows that the maximum predicted EME will equate to 0.071% 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
Cooran area. NBN Co believes that the public interest would be served by approval of the
proposal, given benefits for enhanced internet coverage in the area. The facility is expected
to have benefits for local residents and businesses within the district.
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, 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.
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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• 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 situated 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 Cooran 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 Noosa Plan. It is considered that the proposal will provide an important community benefit to Cooran 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-5132-Schreibers Page 53