NBN Planning Report_Cooran

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