Planning Report

Proposed Fixed Wireless Facility

Lot 5 H ATHERTON ROAD

ALLIGATOR CREEK QLD 4740

NBN-Alligator Creek Central

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Disclaimer

This document is provided for information purposes only. This document is subject to the

information classification set out on this page. If no information classification has been included,

this document must be treated as UNCLASSIFIED, SENSITIVE and must not be disclosed other

than with the consent of nbn. The recipient (including third parties) must make and rely on their

own inquiries as to the currency, accuracy and completeness of the information contained herein

and must not use this document other than with the consent of nbn.

© 2015 nbn™ limited. All rights reserved.

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Contents

Executive Summary 5

INTRODUCTION 6 1.

BACKGROUND 8 2.

2.1 nbn and the National Broadband Network 8

2.2 What is Fixed Wireless and how is it different to Mobile Broadband? 8

2.3 The Fixed Wireless Network – Interdependencies 8

SITE SELECTION 11 3.

3.1 Identification of areas requiring Fixed Wireless coverage 11

3.2 Site Selection Parameters 11

3.3 Candidate Sites 12

SUBJECT SITE & SURROUNDS 15 4.

THE PROPOSAL 17 5.

5.1 Facility and Equipment Details 17

5.2 Site Selection 20

CURRENT PLANNING CONTROLS 21 6.

6.1 Commonwealth Legislation 21

6.2 Queensland Planning Legislation and Guidelines 22

6.3 Local Government Regulatory Framework 28

OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES 30 7.

7.1 Visual Impact 30

7.2 Heritage 31

7.3 Electrical Interference and Grounding of the Facility 31

7.4 Erosion, Sedimentation Control and Waste Management 31

7.5 Traffic Generation 31

7.6 Utility Services 32

7.7 Noise 32

7.8 Flora and Fauna 32

7.9 Endangered Species 32

7.10 Social and Economic Impacts 32

7.11 Public Safety 33

7.12 The Public Interest and the Benefits of Telecommunications 34

CONCLUSION 35 8.

Appendix 1 – Proposal Plans 36

Appendix 2 – Site Photos 37

Appendix 3 – Applicable Codes and Comments 38

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Appendix 4 – EME Report 39

Appendix 5 – SDAP Codes 40

Appendix 6 – Copy of Title 41

Appendix 7 – Property Vegetation Management Plan 42

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Executive Summary

Proposal

nbn propose to install a new fixed wireless facility at

Alligator Creek comprised of the following:

One (1) 30m monopole;

Two (2) X parabolic dish antenna;

Four (4) X panel antennas;

Two (2) X outdoor units (ODU) at ground level

(outdoor cabinets);

2.4m high chainlink security compound fencing; &

Ancillary equipment associated with operation of

the facility, including cable trays, cabling, safe

access methods, bird proofing, earthing, electrical

works and air-conditioning equipment.

All equipment will be located within an 80m2 compound,

enclosed by a 2.4 metre high chainlink fence.

Not including any construction variations, the facility will

not exceed a total height of 32.0 metres above ground

level.

Purposes

The proposed facility is necessary to provide nbnTM fixed

wireless coverage to the area north of Sarina.

Property Details

Lot & Plan No: Lot 2 on SP105500 & Lot 5 on SP105500

Street Address: Lot 5 H Atherton Road & 304 Eversleigh

Road, Alligator Creek QLD 4740

Property Owner: Brian Cyril & Denise Margaret Atherton

Town Planning

Scheme

Council: Mackay Regional Council

Zones: Rural

Use Definition: Telecommunications Facility

Applicable Planning

Policies Relevant State & Local Planning Policies Complies

The Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SPA) Yes

Sarina Planning Scheme (2006) Yes

Application Use and development of the land for the purposes of

construction & operation of a Telecommunications

Facility (Fixed Wireless facility)

Applicant

nbn

c/- Visionstream Pty. Ltd

PO Box 5452

West End QLD 4101

Contact: Jessica Bradbury

Phone: (07) 3852 8120

Email: jessica.bradbury@visionstream.com.au

Our Ref: NBN-Alligator Creek Central

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INTRODUCTION 1.

nbn 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

Visionstream 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 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™ requires a

fixed wireless transmission site to provide fixed wireless internet coverage to

the area north of Sarina.

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 to secure a lease agreement with the landowner.

This application seeks planning consent for:

a 30 metre high monopole;

radio transmission equipment; and

ancillary equipment shelter.

Located at Lot 5 H Atherton Road, Alligator Creek QLD 4740; more formally

known as Lot 2 SP105500 and Lot 5 SP105500.

This submission will provide assessment in respect of the relevant planning

guidelines, and demonstrates site selection on the basis of:

The site is designed so as to be appropriately located & sited so as to

minimise visual impact on the immediate & surrounding area;

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The proposal is designed to comply with the principles of the QLD Telecommunications Act 1997;

The site is designed to achieve the required coverage objectives for the

area;

The proposal 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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BACKGROUND 2.

2.1 nbn and the National Broadband Network

nbn 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.

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™’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.

1 nbn™ 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™’s control like equipment quality, software, broadband plans and how the end

user’s service provider designs its network.

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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 (3) antennas mounted above

the surrounding area. Each antenna is designed to cover a set area to

maximise signal strength. These network antennas communicate to a small

antenna installed on the roof of each customer’s home or business.

The proposed Fixed Wireless facility north of Sarina is a mini-hub site (refer to

Figure 1). It has been designed not only to provide fixed wireless internet

services to surrounding premises, but is also designed to be act as a critical

connection between other sites within the fixed wireless network.

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The character of the Fixed Wireless network is visually demonstrated through

Figure 1 below.

Figure 1: The fixed wireless network

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SITE SELECTION 3.

Planning for a new fixed wireless broadband facility is a complex process. nbn

conducts a rigorous multi-stage scoping process, as outlined below.

3.1 Identification of areas requiring Fixed Wireless coverage

nbn™’s Fixed Wireless locations are determined by a number of factors

including the availability of both the nbn™ Fibre transit network and the

availability of Point of Interconnect (POI) facilities to allow for the installation

of nbn™ fibre equipment. nbn uses a number of methods to identify those

parts of Australia that require Fixed Wireless coverage. When an area is

identified as requiring Fixed Wireless coverage, investigations are undertaken

to determine the measures required to provide this coverage.

nbn has identified a requirement to provide a Fixed Wireless facility at

Alligator Creek. The facility is designed to provide Fixed Wireless internet

services to approximately 350 premises in the Alligator Creek/Sarina area.

3.2 Site Selection Parameters

nbn generally identifies an area where the requirement for a Fixed Wireless

facility would be highest, a ‘search area.’ A preliminary investigation of the

area is then undertaken, in conjunction with planning and property

consultants, radiofrequency engineers and designers in order to identify

possible locations to establish a facility.

Generally speaking, new sites must be located within, or immediately adjacent

to, the identified search area in order to be technically feasible. However, while

the operational and geographical aspects of deploying new facilities are

primary factors, there are also many other issues that influence network

design, which have to be resolved in parallel.

Some of the issues that may be considered include visual amenity, potential

co-location opportunities, the availability and suitability of land as well as a

willing site provider, occupational health and safety, construction issues

(including structural and loading feasibility and access for maintenance

purposes), topographical constraints affecting network line of site, legislative

policy constraints, environmental impacts, and cost implications.

The number, type and height of facilities required to complete the Fixed

Wireless network are largely determined by the above operational,

geographical and other factors discussed that influence final network design.

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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.

3.3 Candidate Sites

3.3.1 Opportunities to Co-locate

A search of the Radio Frequency National Site Archive (RFNSA) shows a

proposed 30m Telstra monopole approximately 3.1km west of the proposal

site. This site was investigated as part of the initial investigation of the area,

however as the facility had not been built, nbn have decided to pursue a

different site more conducive to its requirements. As such, in this instance

there were no existing facilities in the vicinity and as such co-location was not

a viable option (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Opportunities to Co-locate

3.3.2 Existing Structures

Where possible, nbn have looked for opportunities to utilise other forms of

existing infrastructure to ‘co-locate.

Using desktop analysis and site inspection, no opportunities for ‘co-locating

were identified.

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Greenfield Candidates

Following the identification of the search area, several 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 including an on-site

inspection, as per Figure 3 below.

nbn endeavours to avoid locating search areas in close proximity to residential

localities and potentially sensitive land uses, where practicable. The area is

comprised predominantly of agricultural land uses and is surrounded by

predominantly rural lots. As such, nbn considers that the site provides an

appropriate location for a facility, given the separation from residential and

other sensitive land uses.

Figure 3: nbn Candidate Sites (Source: Google Earth 2015)

A summary of the two (2) alternative candidates that were proposed is set out

below, including a description of the opportunities and constraints that each

site afforded.

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Candidate Address and

Lot Number Facility Type Description

A 91901 Bruce

Highway,

Sarina QLD

4737

(Lot 1 on

RP733868)

New 50m

lattice tower

This candidate required a minimum

50m structure to achieve coverage.

Due to the close proximity to the

neighbouring residential dwellings

and potential visual impacts on the

area, this candidate was discounted

on planning grounds.

B 607 Eversleigh

Road, Sarina

QLD 4737

(Lot 2 on

RP747364)

New 40m

monopole

This candidate was not able to

achieve the required radio frequency

and transmission targets. As such

this site was discounted accordingly.

SUBJECT SITE & SURROUNDS 4.

The telecommunications facility is to be located at Lot 5 H Atherton Road,

Alligator Creek QLD 4740; more formally known as Lot 2 SP105500 & Lot 5

SP105500. Figures 4 and 5 identify the subject property within the context of

the local area as well as the proposed location of the facility on the property

Access to the property is granted via Lot 5 on SP105500 by an existing private

access off Eversleigh Road, Sarina.

Figure 4: Aerial map of the site within the context of the wider area (Source: Google Maps 2015)

Figure 5: Aerial map of the site within the context of the local area (Source: Google Maps 2015)

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The subject site is located on a vegetated hilltop within land zoned rural. The

built form and typical land uses on adjoining properties are predominantly

single detached dwellings on rural lots. Separation between the proposed

development location on the subject property and the closest residential

dwelling on an adjoining property is approximately 300m.

No community sensitive sites have been identified within a 500m radius of the

proposed development location on the subject property.

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THE PROPOSAL 5.

5.1 Facility and Equipment Details

5.1.1 Equipment to be installed

Approval is sought for the use and development of a telecommunications

facility, comprising a 30 metre monopole, and ancillary components including

two outdoor units (ODU) enclosed within a secure compound which measures

approximately 80m2.

The specific components of the proposed installation are described below:

The installation of a 30 metre monopole, with a circular headframe at 30m on the monopole;

The installation of two (2) 900mm parabolic dish antenna for

transmission purposes, at an elevation of 27m on the pole. The installation of four (4) panel antennas (dimensions 1.07m high x

0.30m wide x 0.15m deep), attached to the headframe at an elevation of 30m.

The installation of a 2.4m high chainlink security compound fence

(compound area 12m x 10m), with 3m wide access gate; The installation of two (2) outdoor equipment units (dimensions: 1.5m

high x 0.65m wide x 0.65m deep) at ground level, adjacent to the proposed monopole. The outdoor units will be installed on a concrete slab of dimensions 2.4m x 1m and will be metallic grey in colour;

The installation of associated feeder cables that will run underground from the equipment cabinets, and then internally within the pole to the

antennas.

This nbn™ Fixed Wireless facility is a mini-hub site within the network,

providing nbn™ services to the area north of Sarina.

Figure 6 represents an example of a monopole and circular headframe while

Figure 7 represents an example of a parabolic dish.

Figure 8 identifies the specific site on the subject property where the

proposed development is to be located.

The proposal is to be contained within a total lease area of 80m2. It is

confirmed that the first lease for this site will not exceed a period of ten (10)

years. There is also a second consecutive lease which will run for a period of

ten (10) years exactly. As the use is occurring on lease land, and a single lease

will not exceed this ten (10) year period, the proposal is not subject to a

reconfiguring a lot development application.

Please refer to Appendix 1 – Proposed Plans for further details.

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Figure 8: Proposed monopole location on subject land (facing north east)

Figure 7: Example of a parabolic dish antenna Figure 6: Example of a monopole

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5.1.2 Access and Parking Details

The nbn™ compound will be accessed via Lot 5 on SP105500 by the existing

private access track off Eversleigh Road. The facility and all ancillary

components will be constructed over the one title. A copy of title is provided in

Appendix 5. Plans indicating the details of the proposal form part of the

documentation of this application.

Additional photos of the site and proposed development plans are provided as

Appendices 2 & 3 respectively.

The site access is considered to be appropriate given the nbn™ facility will not

be a significant generator of traffic.

During the construction phase, a truck will be used to deliver the equipment

and a crane will be utilised to lift most of the equipment into place. Any traffic

impacts associated with construction will 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 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.

Once operational, the facility will function on a continuously unstaffed basis

and will typically only require maintenance works once a year.

5.1.3 Utility Service Details

The facility will be powered by an existing three phase pole substation,

approximately 800m from the proposed site location. Power will be supplied to

the site via a new underground power route (as shown on 4MKY-51-31-ALLC-

C2). In the unlikely event that power is not available to the site; a temporary

power supply would be required in the form of a generator. Upgrades to the

existing power facilities will be at the applicant’s expense.

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5.1.4 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.

There is expected to be some low level noise from the ongoing operation of air

conditioning equipment associated with the equipment shelter, once installed.

Noise emanating from the air conditioning equipment is expected to be at a

comparable level to a domestic air conditioning installation, and should

generally accord with the background noise levels prescribed by relevant

guidelines.

5.2 Site Selection

Following an evaluation of the alternative options and the issues identified, a

new monopole facility and associated infrastructure at Lot 5 H Atherton Road,

Alligator Creek QLD 4740 is deemed to be the most acceptable solution.

The site offers:

Sufficient setback from adjoining property dwellings;

Suitable distance from the main town and sensitive uses;

Limited requirement for vegetation trimming and removal with no

significant environmental impacts; and

Suitable location from a technical perspective.

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CURRENT PLANNING CONTROLS 6.

6.1 Commonwealth Legislation

As a licensed telecommunications carrier, nbn must operate under the

provisions of the Telecommunications Act 1997 and the following supporting

legislation:

The Telecommunications Code of Practice 1997;

The Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 1997 (as amended); and

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act

1999.

6.1.1 The Telecommunications Act

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 low impact under the definitions contained in the

Commonwealth legislation. Planning consent is therefore required for the

proposed facility.

6.1.2 Telecommunications Code of Practice 1997

Under the Telecommunications Act 1997, the Government established the

Telecommunications Code of Practice 1997, which sets out the conditions

under which a carrier must operate.

Section 2.11 of the Telecommunications Code of Practice 1997 sets out the

design, planning and installation requirements for the carriers to ensure the

installation of facilities is in accordance with industry ‘best practice’. This is

required to:

“… minimise the potential degradation of the environment and the visual

amenity associated with the facilities.” [Section 2.11(3)]

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The siting and design of the proposal has taken place in accordance with

Section 3 (Planning and Siting) of the Australian Standard – Siting of Radio

Communications Facilities (AS 3516.2).

Furthermore, following an assessment of the available options, it became

evident that there were no suitable existing telecommunications facilities or

other structures (including buildings or power poles) located within the search

area that could provide the required site objective/co-location opportunities.

6.1.3 The Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 1997

The Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 1997 identifies

both the type of facilities that can be “Low-impact”, and the areas in which

these facilities can be installed. Importantly, this current facility is not defined

as a “low impact facility” and is therefore subject to State and Territory

Planning Laws and Regulation. In this specific instance, the provisions of the

Sustainable Planning Act 2009 and the Sarina Planning Scheme (2005) will be

applicable to the proposal.

6.1.4 The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999

obliges telecommunications carriers to consider ‘matters of national

environmental significance’. Under this legislation, an action will require

approval from the Minister of Environment if the action has or is likely to have

an impact on a matter of ‘national environmental significance’. According to

the EPBC Act 1999, there are seven matters of national significance which

must be considered.

All relevant EPBC matters have been considered. It is not anticipated that the

proposal will have a significant impact on any matters of national

environmental significance. Accordingly, approval from the Minister of

Environment is not required in this instance.

6.2 Queensland Planning Legislation and Guidelines

As identified in Section 6.1.3 of this report, the proposed facility does not fall

within the definition of the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities)

Determination 1997. It is therefore subject to State planning instruments and

regulation in addition to the Commonwealth regulatory framework.

There are a number of State Government provisions which could potentially

apply to the proposed nbn™ facility. These include:

The Sustainable Planning Act 2009; State Planning Regulatory Provisions;

State Planning Policy; and Referral Agencies.

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6.2.1 The Sustainable Planning Act 2009

The Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SPA) has the overall aim of achieving

ecological sustainability, through:

Managing the process by which development takes place, including

ensuring the process is accountable, effective and efficient and delivers

sustainable outcomes;

Managing the effects of development on the environment, including

managing the use of premises; and

Continuing the coordination and integration of planning at the local,

regional and State levels (Section 1.2.3 SPA)

Pursuant to Chapter 6 of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009, this application

has been prepared to form part of a code assessable material change of use

development application, seeking a development permit under the Sarina

Planning Scheme (2005).

6.2.2 State Planning Regulatory Provisions

State Planning Regulatory Provisions (SPRPs) are the pre-eminent planning

instruments and have the ability to regulate and prohibit development, despite

the provisions of a local planning instrument. Assessment against the relevant

SPRPs is outlined in Table 1 below.

Table 1 – Assessment of State Planning Regulatory Provisions

Current Regulatory Provisions Comments

Draft amendment to the South East

Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031

State planning regulatory provisions

– 2 May 2014

Not Applicable - The site is not located within

the South East Queensland Regional Plan

2009-2031.

Guragunbah State Planning

Regulatory Provision – 27 September

2013

Not Applicable - The site is not located within

the Guragunbah affected area.

State planning regulatory provision

(adopted charges) – 2 August 2013

Not Applicable – No infrastructure charges

are considered applicable for the proposal,

given the use.

Yeerongpilly Transit Oriented

Development State Planning

Regulatory Provision – 23 September

2014

Not Applicable - The site is not located within

the area of the Yeerongpilly Transit Oriented

Development.

Off-road motorcycling facility on

State-owned land at Wyaralong –

Not Applicable - The site is not located in

Wyaralong nor is the proposed use of the site

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6.2.3 State Planning Policies (SPPs)

On 2 December 2013, the Queensland Government adopted its new single

State Planning Policy (SPP). The SPP replaces the previous multiple policies in

existence. The SPP sets out policies on matters of state interest in relation to

planning and development, and provides a key framework for the

government's broader commitment to planning reform.

The SPP identifies the state's interests in planning and development and how

these are to be dealt with in planning instruments, Council development

assessment processes and in designating land for community infrastructure.

It is noted a number of state interests identified within the SPP are only

applicable to the preparation of Council planning schemes. As such, the

following state interests are not applicable to the assessment of the subject

development application.

Livable communities

Housing supply and diversity Agriculture

Development and construction Tourism Cultural heritage

Energy and water supply Strategic ports

It is intended that the SPP be reflected in Council’s planning schemes.

However, as this is a relatively new instrument, and many Councils are still

operating on planning schemes written prior to the release of the SPP,

assessment against the SPP may need to be considered. As the Sarina

Planning Scheme (2005) was written prior to the release of the SPP an

assessment against the applicable themes of the SPP has been provided in

Table 2 below.

October 2010 for a motor sport activity facility.

State Planning Regulatory Provisions

(Adult stores) – July 2010

Not Applicable - The proposed use of the site

does not involve an Adult Store.

South East Queensland Koala

Conservation State Planning

Regulatory Provisions – May 2010

Not Applicable - The site is not located within

a Koala Assessable Development Area.

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Table 2 – Assessment of State Planning Policy

State interests Comments

Economic growth

Mining and extractive resources Not Applicable

The proposal is not a mine, will not

impact on any extractive

resources, and is not located within

a Key Resource Area.

Environment and heritage

Biodiversity

Not Applicable

The state interest for biodiversity

has been appropriately reflected in

the Sarina Planning Scheme

(2005) through the Remnant

Vegetation overlay. Assessment

against the Conservation Areas

overlay code has been provided in

Appendix 3. As such any further

assessment is not considered

necessary.

Coastal environment Not Applicable

The site is not located within a

coastal environment.

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Water quality Not Applicable

The proposed telecommunications

facility is not within proximity to

any waterways or wetlands. All

works associated with this

proposed development will be

confined to within the

telecommunications compound

(80m2); therefore no impacts to

any waterways or wetlands are

anticipated. The

telecommunications facility does

not produce pollutants, and as

such there are no anticipated

impacts.

Hazards and safety

Emissions and hazardous activities Not Applicable

The proposed use is not defined as

a sensitive land use under the SPP.

In addition, the

telecommunications facility will not

emit noise or air emissions.

Natural hazards

Not Applicable

The site is not affected by any of

the following natural hazard areas:

a) flood hazard areas, or

b) landslide hazard areas, or c) coastal hazard areas

including erosion prone areas and storm tide inundation areas.

The state interest for natural

hazards – bushfire hazard areas

has been appropriately reflected in

the Sarina Planning Scheme

(2005) through the Bushfire

Hazard overlay. Assessment

against the Bushfire Hazard

overlay code has been provided in

Appendix 3. As such any further

assessment is not considered

necessary.

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Transport and infrastructure

State transport infrastructure Not Applicable

The proposed use is not located

within 400 metres of a public

passenger transport facility or a

future public passenger transport

facility.

Strategic airports and aviation facilities Not Applicable

The site is not located in the

vicinity of any airport or aviation

facilities.

6.2.4 Referral Agencies

The Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDIP) is

the single referral agency for all development applications where the State has

jurisdiction. Within DSDIP, the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA)

is responsible for referrals of application regarding a State interest.

The State Development Assessment Provisions (SDAP) is an outcome of the

SARA and a statutory instrument made under the SPA. SDAP sets out matters

of interest of the State for development assessment, where the chief executive

of administering the SPA is the assessment manager or a referral agency.

An assessment of the proposal against the State assessment criteria

determines the proposal requires referral to SARA as the proposal is adjacent

Remnant vegetation (Figure 9). No concerns are anticipated as the proposal

will be utilising an existing access track and cleared compound area (The SDAP

codes associated with this site are attached in Appendix 5).

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Figure 9: Native Vegetation Clearing Mapping (Source: SARA Mapping)

6.3 Local Government Regulatory Framework

In addition to relevant Commonwealth and State Government regulatory

requirements, the proposed facility is also subject to the Local Government

regulatory framework. In this instance, the relevant Local Government

regulatory framework is the SPA compliant Sarina Planning Scheme (2005).

6.3.1 Mackay Regional Council’s Sarina Planning Scheme (2005)

This application is seeking to obtain a development permit for a

telecommunications facility, which is defined under the Sarina Planning

Scheme (2005) as:

“the use of premises for the purpose of extending telecommunications

services throughout the Shire whether or not the operator is a public sector

entity or a private sector entity. The term excludes low impact facilities as

defined under the provisions of the Telecommunications Act 1997.”

In the rural zone, a telecommunications facility will trigger a code assessable

development application. The proposal will be subject to assessment against

the following applicable planning scheme regulations:

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Rural domain code; Bushfire management areas code; and Nature conservation code.

An assessment against these provisions is provided in Appendix 3. It is

considered that the proposal is generally in accordance with the intent of the

Sarina Planning Scheme (2005) and applicable codes.

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OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS 7.AND OPPORTUNITIES

7.1 Visual Impact

7.1.1 Setting and Location

The siting of the proposed monopole on the subject property is considered

appropriate. Critical to the site selection and decision making process was the

potential impact of the structure in the visual landscape.

The surrounding landscape features relatively flat topography, with the

exception of scattered vegetated hills. The subject property is characterised by

a cleared and vegetated areas cleared any buildings. The northern portion of

the lot features native vegetation of moderate to high density.

Mature tree heights in the immediate area are approximately 15m, screening

the compound on the ground and a portion of the structure from view. Given

the elevation and large amount of vegetation surrounding the proposed

location , the site will not be visible from view from a number of angles. Visual

impact with the structure on the Alligator Creek/Sarina rural-residential area is

considered low.

The structure in the proposed location will not obscure an important view or

vista. It has been strategically located away from existing dwellings to

minimise impact.

7.1.2 Design

Over the decades, telecommunications facilities have evolved from very bulky

structures to the compact arrangements that are seen today. This has been

due to the joint factors of improved, more compact technology, and the

community’s preference for less obtrusive structures. In this instance, nbn is

proposing a slimline monopole rather than a more bulky lattice structure.

The proposed 30 metre monopole is the smallest structure capable of meeting

coverage and operational objectives.

The design and construction materials are consistent with similar monopoles

identified elsewhere in the region.

While the structure may be visible from some aspects, based on the siting the

proposed development will not result in adverse impacts on visual amenity in

the local area, or the prevailing rural and landscape form elsewhere in Alligator

Creek/Sarina.

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7.2 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. There are no known items of cultural,

historical or environmental heritage significance located in the vicinity of the

proposal site.

7.3 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 OFDMA9800

frequency band. As nbn is the exclusive licensee of this sub-band, emissions

from nbn™ 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™ frequency allocations. nbn

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’.

7.4 Erosion, Sedimentation Control and Waste Management

All erosion and sediment control mitigation measures will be detailed in

construction plans and will comply with the Building Code of Australia and local

Council standards. In addition, contractors 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, the site will be

restored and reinstated to an appropriate standard. No waste which requires

collection or disposal will be generated by the operation of the facility.

7.5 Traffic Generation

After the construction period, the only traffic generated by the base station will

be that associated with maintenance vehicles. In this respect, it is estimated

that maintenance of the facility will generate only one visit per year and it will

remain unattended at all other times. The traffic generation will therefore be

minimal and not sufficient to create any adverse impacts in this regard or by

creating a demand for parking facilities.

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7.6 Utility Services

All services required for the ongoing operation of the base station are capable

of being provided to the facility without impacting on the supply or reliability of

these services to any existing consumers in the locality. No stormwater,

sewerage or waste management facilities are required.

7.7 Noise

Noise and vibration emissions associated with the proposed facility will be

limited to the initial construction phase. There will be some low level noise

from the ongoing operation of air conditioning equipment associated with the

equipment shelter, once installed. Noise emanating from the air conditioning

equipment is at a comparable level to a domestic air conditioning installation,

and will generally accord with the background noise levels prescribed by

Australian Standard AS1055.

7.8 Flora and Fauna

In order to determine any possible natural flora and fauna significance

associated with the site, a search was conducted through the relevant

environmental searches. It is not anticipated that the proposal will have a

significant impact on any items of flora or fauna significance.

7.9 Endangered Species

In order to determine any possible Endangered Species associated with the

site, a search was conducted through the relevant environmental searches.

nbn was not able to identify known Endangered Species located in the vicinity

of the proposal site.

7.10 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 area north of Sarina. This is expected to be of

particular benefit for residential dwellings in the locality.

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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.

7.11 Public Safety

7.11.1 Radiofrequency Emissions

In relation to public safety and specifically Electromagnetic Emissions (EME)

and public health, nbn™ network 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).

All nbn™ network are designed and certified by qualified professionals in

accordance with all relevant Australian Standards. This helps to ensure that

the nbn™ 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 4. The report shows that the

maximum predicted EME will equate to 0.3% 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™ 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.

7.11.2 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.

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7.12 The Public Interest and the Benefits of Telecommunications

The proposed nbn™ facility is expected to have significant benefit for residents

north of Sarina. nbn 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.

7.12.1 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.

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.

2 End user experience including the speeds actually achieved over the NBN depends on some factors outside

nbn™’s control like the end user’s equipment quality, software, broadband plans and how the end user’s

service providers designs its network.

CONCLUSION 8.

The proposed nbn™ network facility, comprising a 30m monopole, 4 x 1077mm

antennas, 2 x transmission dish and ancillary equipment has been sited in the

most appropriate location given the context of the local area and service

objective – providing broadband services to the area north of Sarina.

The facility has been strategically sited and designed to minimise visibility

within the surrounding environment as much as practicable. The visual impact

of the development on the surrounding area has been assessed and given the

siting and design, the proposal is considered unlikely to cause any significant

harm to the visual amenity or scenic value of the area. Although the monopole

would be visible at varying degrees depending on the line of site of the viewer,

negative impacts on visual amenity are not deemed to be significant.

Accordingly, it is considered that the visual impact of the proposal is acceptable

having had full regard to the context of the locality, the nature of the design

employed, and the coverage benefits deriving from the installation.

It is considered that the proposal will provide an important community benefit

to the area north of Sarina and the wider Mackay LGA providing service to local

residents and businesses.

We respectfully request that Council considers the limited impacts and expected

benefits of this proposed facility in assessing this Development Application.