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PLANNING ASSESSMENT REPORT

PROPOSAL:

Material Change of Use Application (Code Assessable)

To install a new Optus Telecommunications Facility at;

41 Evans Ave, North Mackay, QLD 4740 (LOT 1 / M91200)

Prepared for

Mackay Regional Council

Prepared by

Metasite Pty Ltd

Author: Phil Hull

Address: Level 2, Suite 202, 20 Clarke Street, Crows Nest, NSW, 2065

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +61 43 1328 606

On behalf of

Optus Mobile Pty Ltd

Melissas

Received (Manual Date)

CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 02

1. INTRODUCTION 03

2. PROCESS FOR IDENTIFYING NEED FOR / PLANNING A MOBILE BASE STATION 04 2.1 Background 04 2.2 Optus Coverage Objectives 04 2.3 Candidate Sites 06 2.4 Preferred Nominated Candidate 09 2.5 Site Description and Context 10

3. PROPOSAL 12 3.1 Equipment to be Installed 12 3.2 Utility Service Details 12 3.3 Access and Parking Details 12

4. LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT 13 4.1 Commonwealth Regulatory Framework 13

4.1.1 Telecommunications Act 1997 13 4.1.2 Telecommunications Code of Practice 1997 14 4.1.3 The Telecommunications (Low-Impact Facilities) Determination 1997 14 4.1.4 The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999 14 4.2 Queensland Planning Legislation and Guidelines 14

4.2.1 Sustainable Planning Act 2009 15 4.2.2 State Planning Policies 15 4.2.3 Referral Agencies 15 4.3 Local Government Regulatory Framework 15

4.3.1 Mackay City Planning Scheme 2006 15

5. OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES 23 5.1 Heritage 23 5.2 Access, Transport and Traffic 23 5.3 Construction and Noise 24 5.4 Electrical Interference and Grounding of the Facility 24 5.5 Erosion, Sedimentation Control and Waste Management 24 5.6 Social and Economic Impacts 24 5.7 Public Safety 25

5.7.1 Electromagnetic Emissions 25 5.7.2 Access 26 5.8 The Public Interest and the Benefits of Telecommunications 26

5.8.1 Commonwealth Government Policy 26 5.8.2 Other Benefits of Telecommunications 27

6. CONCLUSION 28

APPENDICES

Appendix A – Candidate Photos

Appendix B – Proposal Plans

Appendix C – Site photographs

Appendix D – Photomontage

Appendix E – Policy, overlay and code compliance

Appendix F – ARPANSA / EME Report

MCU for Telecommunications Facility LOT 1 / M91200

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DOCUMENT REVIEW SHEET

CLIENT: Optus Mobile Pty Ltd

PROJECT: Cremorne North

TITLE: Planning Assessment Report

DOCUMENT REFERENCE NO: B1204

PROJECT MANAGER: Julia Hall FILE NO: B1204

SPELL CHECK (WP OPERATOR) BY: SECTION:

Document Details Preparation

& Self

Check

Independent

Review By:

Corrective

Action

/Approved

by:

Sent To/

Date:

REV A Name:

P Hull

T Brosnan 07-10-2014

Reviewers Comments: N/A


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Proposal:

Optus proposes to construct a new telecommunications facility within a fenced compound area. This facility will consist of:

One (1) 30.0 metre monopole, with three (3) panel antennas mounted

on a small circular headframe together with fifteen (15) Remote Radio

Units (RRU’s).

One (1) Optus prefabricated equipment shelter, painted ‘Pale

Eucalypt” with a floor area less than 7.5 square metres; and,

Two (2) Parabolic dishes at 27.0 metres on the monopole, with a

diameter of 1.2 metres.

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 a compound area (enclosed by a 2.4 metre high chainlink fence) of 9.4 x 7.4 metres (70 square metres). Not including any construction variations, the facility should not exceed a total height of 31.4 metres above ground level.

Purposes:

The telecommunications facility is necessary to meet increased customer demand by Optus for voice coverage and data technology (2G, 3G & 4G mobile and wireless broadband coverage) in the North Mackay area.

Site Information:

Lot and Plan Number: LOT 1 / M91200 Address: 41 Evans Ave, North Mackay, QLD 4740 Proposed Optus lease area: 70 square metres

Town planning scheme:

Mackay City Planning Scheme 2006 Zoning: Commercial Use Definition: Telecommunications Facility

Application:

Code Assessable Material Change of Use Development Application (MCU) seeking a Development Permit for the installation of a Telecommunications Facility.

Applicant:

Optus Mobile Pty Ltd C/- Metasite Pty Ltd Level 2, Suite 202 20 Clarke St Crows Nest NSW 2065 Contact Person: Phil Hull Our Ref: B1204


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1.0 INTRODUCTION

Metasite Pty Ltd acts on behalf of Optus Mobile Pty Ltd (Optus) for the deployment of their

telecommunications base station sites. As part of this deployment process, Optus has

identified a need for increased digital mobile telephone coverage and capacity improvements

in the north Mackay area. Optus has an existing network which continues to require on-going

investment to address improved coverage and capacity demands. As part of this program of

works, Optus are seeking to improve voice and data capabilities in major regional and holiday

centres such as Mackay. North Mackay is currently experiencing high levels of customer usage.

To achieve these objectives, the proposed facility is designed to accommodate both voice and

data technologies which will relieve the congestion that the current network is experiencing

and provide additional coverage and capacity in the north Mackay area.

In response to this identified need, we are seeking to obtain planning consent for the

installation of a new mobile base station at 41 Evans Ave, North Mackay, QLD 4740

(Lot 1 / M91200). An in-depth site selection process was undertaken in the area prior to

confirming the land to the rear of 41 Evans Avenue as our preferred location. This process

matched potential candidates against four key factors, namely:

Construction feasibility;

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; and finally,

The ability for Optus to secure a lease agreement with the landowner.

The land to the rear of 41 Evans Ave (‘the site’) was found to be the most suitable in the study

area. According to the applicable Mackay City Planning Scheme 2006, the subject site is

designated as being within a Commercial area. This report provides an assessment of the

matters relevant to a Code Assessable Material Change of Use (MCU) development application

for a ‘Telecommunications Facility’, including:

A detailed analysis of the site selection process;

A full description of the proposal, in relation to the facilities location, design, access, visual impact, etc; and,

An assessment of the proposal against the relevant planning provisions/objectives of all levels of Government (i.e. National, State, Regional and Local);

This information will demonstrate to Mackay Regional Council that the proposed development

is appropriate and justified, in order to obtain approval and the subsequent development

permit for the proposed works.


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2.0 PROCESS FOR IDENTIFYING NEED FOR / PLANNING A MOBILE BASE STATION

2.1 Background

Mobile phone networks and mobile phone use have become an integral part of the everyday

functioning of business and society. Mobile telecommunications systems work on a cellular

principle, whereby a network of base stations provides coverage to an area. Depending on the

site location and coverage objectives, the shape, number and size of the base station and its

associated infrastructure of shelter and antenna, will vary for each location. Each base station

transmits and receives signals to and from devices in the area. Each base station also has a

restricted capacity in terms of the number of calls it can receive & transmit and capacity for

users to upload & download data/browse the web. Therefore, networks located in areas

where a large number of calls are made and greater reliance on internet is required, will need

an increased number of base stations to accommodate the excess traffic. This is currently the

scenario that the north Mackay area is experiencing. The existing nearby base stations in the

area demands high levels of customer usage and is operating at full capacity i.e. slow upload &

download speeds/internet browsing and a high number of “drop calls”. The proposed facility

will relieve this congestion in the north Mackay area and also provide additional coverage and

capacity in the northern area of Mackay which is seen as a black-spot with poor connectivity to

the network.

2.3 Optus Coverage Objectives

Planning for a new mobile telecommunications base station is a complex process, which in this

case involved the following activities:

Identification of areas with poor service and / or performance Optus use a number of methods to identify those parts of the network that require improved

coverage, capacity and call performance. These methods include: physical surveys, statistical

measures, computer modelling of coverage, and the evaluation of customer complaints. When

an area within the Optus network is identified as providing poor levels of service and

performance, investigations are undertaken to determine the measures required to rectify

these service and performance deficiencies. In this case Optus has identified the North Mackay

area as requiring improved data and call services, as there are significant deficiencies in

existing coverage.

Remedial measures Optus Radio Frequency (RF) engineers assess deficiencies in coverage, and devise measures

necessary to address this problem. The first stage of the process is to examine whether the

deficiency may be improved through optimisation of the existing network infrastructure (i.e.

by modifying existing facilities to enhance local coverage) to avoid the need for additional

infrastructure. In this instance, optimisation could not deliver a satisfactory outcome and new

site candidates were investigated. The initial research undertaken in this area is then used to

define the scope of the network deficiency and the performance objective of the proposed

new facility.


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Site Parameters Optus identifies an area where the requirement for a telecommunications facility would be

highest (the ‘search ring’) and undertakes a preliminary investigation in conjunction with its

planning / environmental and property consultants, RF engineers and designers in order to

identify possible locations and options to locate a telecommunications facility.

Whilst the operational and geographical aspects of deploying new mobile base stations are

primary factors, there are many other critical issues that have to be effectively resolved in

parallel that also influence network design. Some of the issues which need to be considered

are visual amenity, potential co-location opportunities, the availability and suitability of land

and a willing site provider, occupational health and safety, construction issues (including

structural and loading feasibility and access for maintenance purposes), topographical

constraints, legislative policy constraints, environmental impacts, and cost implications.

The number, type and height of facilities required to provide additional capacity and coverage

to the network are largely determined by the above operational, geographical and other

factors discussed that influence final network design. These compounded factors often

severely restrict the available search area within which a facility can be established. In this

instance, the proposed facility seeks to relieve congestion from nearby Optus base stations

and provide additional coverage and capacity to the north Mackay area. Optus have proposed

a search ring (highlighted in the red polygon below), within which it sought to identify

potential candidate sites for the proposed facility – refer Image 01 below.

Image 01: Search Ring Area – red polygon

Source: Google Earth


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2.3 Candidate Sites

A number of candidate sites were examined within the search ring and surrounding area, with

regard to the ability of each to meet the coverage objectives. The site considerations are listed

in Section 2.2 of this report. In this instance, a total of five (5) candidates were investigated –

refer to Image 02 below.

Image 02: Candidate Sites Location Plan

Source: Google Maps

There are 3 land uses within the search area: Commercial, Urban Residential and Public

Purposes As illustrated in Image 03 on the following page. The area occupied by residential

dwellings is unsuitable for a telecommunications facility. As evident from the locations above,

the majority of candidates are located to the rear of existing commercial properties along

Evans Avenue.


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Image 03: Search Ring Zoning

Source: Mackay City Planning Scheme 2006 – Online Mapping Service


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Table 01 on the below offers a detailed summary of each candidate, including a description of

the opportunities/constraints that each presented. Please refer to Appendix A for photos of

each of these candidate sites.

Candidate Type of Development Address

A New monopole 4 Malcomson St, Cremorne North

The site is zoned Commercial, however the surrounding buildings are only one storey and only provide minimal screening as far as visual impact is concerned. It is also near a busy road junction and can be easily seen from all roads surrounding the site. The proposed monopole would be prominent in the locality and was therefore discounted from a town planning perspective.


B New monopole 41 Evans Ave, North Mackay

Candidate ‘B’ involves the construction of a new 30 metre monopole at the rear of the property. The site is under the ownership of two business partners who are willing to enter into an agreement with Optus. The site is underutilised and the proposed location will not interfere with the business activities. The site is zoned Commercial and the proposed location at the rear of the property is well screened from the road by existing commercial buildings along Evans Avenue.


C New monopole 37 Evans Ave, North Mackay

The site is zoned Commercial. The proposal to locate the facility to the rear of the site would be well screened; however the site is currently subject to a lease which will not allow the proposal to proceed.


D New monopole 35 Evans Ave, North Mackay

The site is zoned Commercial. The proposal to locate the facility to the rear of the site would be well screened; However the site is currently subject to a lease which will not allow the proposal to proceed.


E New monopole 33 Evans Ave, North Mackay

The site is zoned Commercial. The proposal to locate the facility at the rear of the site would be well screened; however the sites current use as a medical centre was seen as incompatible with the facility.

Table 01: Candidate Site Analysis


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2.4 Preferred Nominated Candidate

A preferred nominated candidate was selected for the proposed facility, based on the

radiofrequency objectives, planning and environmental issues, potential community sensitive

uses, and engineering criteria, as noted in Section 2.2 of this report.

There were a number of key considerations supporting this decision:

The site is technically feasible, and can achieve Optus’ coverage and capacity objectives for the

area. It will provide a high quality 2G, 3G & 4G mobile and wireless broadband service, which

will greatly improve access to mobile telecommunications services for the local community

and also provide voice coverage.

The site is zoned as Commercial, which is considered a suitable location for the proposed pole.

The character of the area will not be detrimentally affected by the proposal;

The proposal will be partially screened from the road by existing buildings along the road frontage and will be set back within the site.

There are no residential dwellings within the immediate vicinity of the proposed pole location.

The landowner is supportive of the Optus proposal and its associated benefits for increased telecommunications services in the local area.

The site is not located within an environmentally or culturally significant area, and will not require the clearing of any trees.

The site has a readily available access to the electricity supply network.

The proposed facility will not prejudice the existing or anticipated future use of the site, as the proposal is set back at the rear of the site.

The costs associated with delivering the site and constructing the facility are considered by Optus to be reasonable.

Metasite Pty Ltd, as planning and site acquisition consultants for Optus, then undertook a

detailed assessment of the preferred candidate. This involved an investigation of the

compliance of the proposed facility with the relevant processes and objectives of the

applicable Commonwealth, State and Local Government planning and environmental

legislation, policies, standards and guidelines. It also involved an investigation of the possible

impacts of the proposed facility on areas potentially affected by the proposal.


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2.5 Site Description and Context

The proposed site is located at 41 Evans Avenue, North Mackay QLD (described as Lot 1 on

M91200) – refer Appendix B for proposed plans. According to the Mackay City Planning

Scheme 2006, the site is located within a Commercial Zone.

Contextually, the north Mackay area is located approximately 2 kilometres north of Mackay

City Centre. The main vehicular access into the town is along Evans Avenue, which runs into

Mackay – Slade Point Rd which connects to the Mackay City Centre – refer Image 04 below.

The Radio Frequency National Site Archive (RFNSA) database was used to search nearby sites.

This database allows users to search for Australian base stations to find Electromagnetic

Energy (EME) Reports, site locations, carrier contact details for existing sites and community

consultation information for new sites. A search of the RFNSA found that there is only one (1)

other telecommunications facility within reasonable proximity of the preferred candidate site

– refer Image 05 on the following page. This location was also reviewed as a potential co-

location opportunity. The closet blue pointer (identified as ‘4740044’) identifies the Telstra

facility at 22-26 McCulloch St. However, due to a combination of location, height, coverage and

structural capacity this candidate was rejected – refer Image 05 on the following page.

Image 04: Site Aerial map – orange pin represents proposed location

Source: Google Maps


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Image 05: Existing Telecommunication Facilities in the Area marked with a grey pin. Proposed location shown in blue

Source: RFNSA/Goggle Maps

The site itself has a total area of 1833 square metres, with no easements in place which would

prevent the proposal from taking place. It is privately owned and is currently used for the

storage and sale of stone. The below survey plan extract (Image 06) illustrates the shape of the

lot.

Image 06: Survey Plan Extract. Proposed location shown with red arrow

Source: Queensland Government Spatial Portal – Google Earth


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There are several low rise buildings separating the commercial area to the north east from the

proposed lease area. These buildings help to screen the facility from the road.

This position was selected for several reasons: it would require no clearing of vegetation,

achieves good setbacks from the majority of other buildings in the surrounding area and will

achieve the desired coverage objectives for Optus. A number of site photographs have been

taken and are included in Appendix C. A photomontage of the proposal is also included in

Appendix D.

3.0 PROPOSAL

3.1 Equipment to be installed

Optus proposes to construct a new telecommunications facility within a fenced compound

area. This facility will consist of:

One (1) 30.0 metre monopole, with three (3) panel antennas mounted on a small circular headframe;

One (1) Optus prefabricated equipment shelter, with a floor area less than 7.5 square metres;

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 a compound area (enclosed by a 2.4 metre high chainlink fence) of 9.4 metres x 7.4 metres (70 square metres). Not including any construction variations, the facility should not exceed a total height of 31.4 metres above ground level.

Please refer to Appendix B for proposed plans showing further technical detail in respect of

the Optus equipment to be installed.

3.2 Utility Service Details

Electricity will be sourced from a power pole on Evans Avenue.

3.3 Access and Parking Details

Access to the site will be along the existing access track off Evans Avenue. No formal parking is

proposed, given the facility will function on a continuously unmanned basis, and will typically

require only once-yearly maintenance. There is sufficient space onsite for a vehicle to park

during these times.


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4.0 LEGISLATIVE CONTEXT

4.1 Commonwealth Regulatory Framework

As a licensed telecommunications carrier, Optus 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 Australian Communications Alliance - Industry Code (C564:2011) for Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment.

4.1.1 Telecommunications Act 1997

The Telecommunications Act 1997 (the Act) came into operation on 1 July 1997. The Act

provides a system for regulating telecommunications and the activities of carriers and service

providers.

Under the Act, telecommunications carriers are no longer exempt from State and Territory

planning laws except in three limited instances:

There are exemptions for inspection of land, maintenance of facilities, installation of “low impact facilities”, subscriber connections and temporary defence facilities. These exemptions are detailed in the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 1997 and the Amendment No. 1 of 1999 and these exceptions are subject to the Telecommunications Code of Practice 1997;

A limited case-by-case appeals process exists to cover installation of facilities in situations of national significance; and

There are some specific powers and immunities from the previous Telecommunications Act 1991.

The proposal is for a freestanding monopole, associated antennas and equipment. Therefore

the facility cannot be considered low impact, as defined by the Telecommunications (Low

impact Facilities) Determination and thus the proposal is not exempt from State planning laws

in this instance.


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4.1.2 Telecommunications Code Of Practice 1997

The Telecommunications Code of Practice 1997 (The Code) authorises a carrier to enter land,

inspect land and install and maintain a facility. The Code emphasises “best practice” design,

planning and installation of facilities, compliance with industry standards and minimisation of

adverse impacts as much as practicable, particularly in terms of degradation of the

environment and visual impact. It is considered that the subject proposal is “best practice”

given that the proposal will:

Provide improved telecommunications and wireless internet coverage in the Mackay area;

Be located on a non-residential site within the local area;

Comprise the smallest scale configuration possible for the site to reduce the visual impact of the proposal.

4.1.3 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 regulations. In this specific instance, the

provisions of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 and the Mackay City Planning Scheme 2006

are applicable.

4.1.4 The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999

The 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. These matters were considered and the

subject site is not affected by EPBC.

4.2 Queensland Planning Legislation and Guidelines

As identified in Section 4.1.3 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 regulations in addition to the

Commonwealth regulatory framework. There are a number of State Government provisions

which could potentially apply to the proposed Optus facility. These include:

The Sustainable Planning Act 2009;

State Planning Policies;

Referral Agencies


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4.2.1 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 application, seeking a development

permit under the Mackay City Planning Scheme 2006. This application will be subject to the

Integrated Development Assessment System (Chapter 6 of SPA 2009 – IDAS).

4.2.2 State Planning Policies (SPPs) There are SPPs applicable to this application but none of which are relevant.

4.2.3 Referral Agencies There are no referral agencies applicable to this application.

4.3 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 Mackay

City Planning Scheme 2006.

4.3.1 Mackay City Planning Scheme 2006

Under the Mackay City Planning Scheme 2006, the proposal is identified as a

Telecommunications Facility. This application is seeking to obtain a development permit for a

‘Telecommunications Facility’ which, under the planning scheme, is defined as:

“Any premises used for the purpose of providing telecommunications services, which

does not fall within the Schedule of Facilities and Areas under the Telecommunications Act

1997, telecommunications (low Impact Facilities) Determination 1997 as amended. The term

may include, but is not limited to:


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(i) A telecommunications tower more than 5m in height; and

(ii) An equipment shelter of more than 7.5 sq m in area and 3m in height.”

The land upon which the development is planned is within a Commercial Zone. Part 5, Division

3, Table 5.1 of the Mackay City Planning Scheme outlines the assessment levels and relevant

assessment criteria for a particular proposal within this land use designation. It shows that a

Telecommunications Facility is Code Assessable within this zone and the below listed overlays

and codes are applicable to the application and therefor needs to be assessed against these

outcomes. Appendix E demonstrates how the development meets the criteria of each code

and overlay. It is considered that the proposal is generally in compliance with all codes,

overlays and polices within the Mackay City Planning Scheme 2006 and its specific outcomes.

Apart from these specific assessment criteria, this proposal will also consider the wider Desired

Environmental Outcomes for the north Mackay area which is included in Appendix E.

Zoning

Under the provisions of the Planning Scheme, the site is located in the Mackay Frame Locality

and the Goosepond Creek precinct. The land use zoning for the site is identified as Commercial

zone (see Image 3 on page 7). No general outcomes for the Mackay Frame Locality or the

Goosepond Creek precinct are identified in the Planning Scheme. Specific Outcomes are

however addressed in Appendix E.

Overlays

The following Overlay Codes from the Mackay City Planning Scheme 2006 have been identified

as being applicable to the application;

Flood and Inundation Management Overlay Code

Wetland Communities Overlay Code

Landscape Character Overlay Code

Acid Sulphate Soils Overlay Code

Airport Obstacle Limitation Surface Overlay Code; and

Airport Development Distance Overlay Code

Codes

The following additional Codes from the Mackay City Planning Scheme 2006 have also been

identified as being applicable to the application;

Telecommunications Facility Code

Mackay Frame Locality Code

Environment & Infrastructure Code


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Flood and Inundation Management Overlay

The site is identified as subject to flooding (Riverine Inundation Limits) according to the Flood

and Inundation Management Overlay, see Image 7 below. As a result, the application is subject

to assessment against the Flood and Inundation Management Overlay Code. The overall

outcomes sought for the Flood and Inundation Management Overlay Code are outlined in the

Mackay City Planning Scheme 2006. Below is a response as to how the propose facility

complies with this overlay.

Image 07: Flood and Inundation Management Map


Response:

It should be noted by reference to the overlay above that virtually the whole of North Mackay

is subject to this overlay. It should also be noted that the facility covers a very small footprint

and that it is unmanned. The risk of flooding to the proposal is therefore minimal and the

impact of the proposal on any potential flooding is also minimal. Should this be a requirement

of Council however, appropriate mitigation measures would be put in place. It should be noted

that the facility will not involve the storage of any hazardous substance. A more detailed

assessment against the Flood and Inundation Management Overlay Code is provided in

Appendix E.


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Wetland Communities Overlay Code

The Wetlands Communities is dealt with under the Coastal Management and Biodiversity

Overlay Code. The site is identified as subject to this overlay according to wetlands

communities overlay - see Image 8 below. The overall outcomes sought for the Coastal

Management and Biodiversity Overlay Code are outlined in the Mackay City Planning Scheme

2006. Below is a response as to how the propose facility complies with this overlay.

Image 08: Wetland Communities Overlay Map


Response:

The proposal will have minimal impact on biodiversity. There will be no loss of vegetation and

the proposal will have no impact on significant coastal wetland communities. There will be no

impacts on the coastal zone. A more detailed assessment against the Wetland Communities

Overlay Code is provided in Appendix E.


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Landscape Character Overlay

The site is adjacent to but not in an area of Landscape Character in accordance with the

Landscape Character Overlay Code - see Image 9 below. Therefore the site is subject to

assessment against the Landscape Character Overlay Code are outlined in the Mackay City

Planning Scheme 2006 which is outlined in Appendix E. The overall outcomes sought for the

Landscape Character Overlay are outlined in the Mackay City Planning Scheme 2006. Below is a

response as to how the propose facility complies with this overlay.

Image 09: Landscape Character Overlay Map


Response:

As seen from the Landscape Character Overlay above, the site abuts an area of Landscape

Character however the proposal itself is not within the area of Landscape Character. The

proposal is to be located to the rear of the existing commercial yard where it will have limited

impact on the existing landscape character of the area. It is well screened from the road by the

existing commercial buildings and is not readily viewable from other public access points. A

more detailed assessment against the Landscape Character Overlay Code is provided in

Appendix E.


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Acid Sulphate Soils Overlay

The site is identified as being subject to the Acid Sulphate soils Overlay Code in accordance

with the Acid Sulphate Soils Overlay - see Image 10. Therefore the proposal is subject to

assessment against the Acid Sulphate Soils Overlay Code. The overall outcomes sought for the

Acid Sulphate Soils Overlay are outlined in the Mackay City Planning Scheme 2006. Below is a

response as to how the propose facility complies with this overlay.

Image 10: Acid Sulphate soils Overlay Map Source: Mackay City Planning Scheme 2006 – Online Mapping Service

Response:

The proposal will have no create no environmental harm and there will be no environmental

impacts. The proposal is on a flat area of land and will not require any off-site earth removal.

There will be minimal disturbance to the soil. A more detailed assessment against the

Landscape Character Overlay Code is provided in Appendix E.


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Development within the Vicinity of Mackay Airport Overlay

The site is identified as being subject to the obstacle limitation surface in accordance with the

Development in the Vicinity of Mackay Airport Overlay - see Image 11. Therefore the proposal

is subject to assessment against the development within the Vicinity of Mackay Airport Overlay

Code. The overall outcomes sought for the development within the Vicinity of Mackay Airport

Overlay Code are outlined in the Mackay City Planning Scheme 2006. Below is a response as to

how the propose facility complies with this overlay.

Image 11: Development within the Vicinity of Mackay Airport Overlay Map


Response

The proposed telecommunications facility is located between the 60 and 70 metre obstacle

limitation surface as identified in Image 11. It should be noted that the proposed

telecommunication facility is not located within the prescribed air space/flight path and as a

result will not pose a safety risk for the functioning of the air services. In addition the proposed

the AHD contours at the subject site is 4.5 metres according to Mackay City Planning Scheme

online mapping service. Therefore the facility will have an overall height of (31.4 height of

facility + 4.5 contours) 36.9 metres which is below the obstacle limitation surface indicated for

the site. Furthermore, prior correspondence with aviation operations management at Mackay

Airport has stated they have no issue with the proposal and the overall height of the structure.

The proposed telecommunications facility is unmanned and does not include any activity that

may result in any noise, air or light emissions that may cause air traffic confusion and safety

risks to the public. A more detailed assessment against the Development within the Vicinity of

Mackay Airport Overlay is provided in Appendix E.


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Airport Development Distance Overlay

The proposal is located between 3 to 6 km from the airport and is identified as being subject to

the Airport Development Distance Overlay– see Image 12 and therefore is subject to

assessment against the Airport Development Distance Overlay Code. A more detailed

assessment against the Development within the Vicinity of Mackay Airport Overlay is provided

in Appendix E.

Image 12: Airport Development Distance Overlay Map



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5.0 OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS AND OPPORTUNITIES

5.1 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.

Searches have indicated that there are no items of cultural heritage significance located in the

vicinity of the proposal site.

5.2 Access, Transport and Traffic

Access to the site will be off Evans Avenue. This access is considered to be appropriate given

the Optus facility will not be a significant generator of traffic. Once operational, the facility will

require once annual maintenance visits, but will remain unattended at all other times. As the

facility generates so few trips per year, it is not considered that a more formal access track will

be required.

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. If road closure is required, Optus will apply to Council 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:

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 operate on a continuously unstaffed basis and will typically

only require maintenance works once a year.


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5.3 Construction and Noise

Noise and vibration emissions associated with the proposed facility will be limited to the

construction phase outlined above. Noise generated during the construction phase will be of

short duration and will be in accordance with the standards outlined in the Environmental

Protection Regulation 1998 and Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 1997. Construction

works will only occur between the hours of 7.00am and 6.00pm Monday - Saturday. Given the

site’s location away from other land uses, construction noise should not impact local amenity.

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 comparable to levels from domestic air-conditioning installations,

and will generally accord with the background noise levels prescribed by Australian Standard

AS1055.

5.4 Electrical Interference and Grounding of the Facility

The Optus mobile Network is licensed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority

(ACMA) for the use of UMTS900, UMTS2100, LTE700 and LTE2600 frequency bands. As Optus

is the exclusive licensee of these sub-bands, emissions from Optus equipment within the

frequency bands will not cause interference. These frequencies have the ability to provide 2G,

3G & 4G data and also provide voice coverage.

Filters also ensure that each mobile phone base station meets the ACMA specifications for

emission of spurious signals outside the Optus frequency allocations. Optus will promptly

investigate any interference issues that are reported. The facility is also grounded to the

relevant Australian Standards; that is, the facility will be ‘earthed’.

5.5 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 'Optus 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.

5.6 Social and Economic Impacts

Mobile telecommunications is a necessary service in a modern society. The proposed

development will provide enhanced digital mobile telephone coverage within the immediate

north Mackay area, providing 2G, 3G & 4G technology and GSM for voice. The site will also

free congestion from neighbouring base stations (particularly that in town centre) which is


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currently a problem due to excess traffic operating the network in the highly dense areas.

Usage of 2G, 3G and 4G services continues to widen as new technologies, like more advanced

4G capable mobile handsets, become progressively more affordable and accessible for the

wider community. Many of these new devices, like the iPhone and other ‘smart’ handsets, are

also data-intensive, meaning they place much more demand on the mobile network than an

older 2G capable phone would – meaning that base stations must have the capacity to provide

these services.

The proposed development will provide significantly enhanced digital mobile telephone

coverage to the north Mackay area. The addition of a new base station in this area will provide

the community with a far greater range of mobile phone services. These will include the ability

to make video calls, wireless access to the internet from mobile phones, and enable computers

more reliable access to e-mails and secure access to internet sites for tasks such as online

banking. Reliable mobile phone coverage is important to ensure the economic growth of

communities in rural towns such as Mackay, and in this regard the facility will have significant

social and economic benefits for the local community.

There are not expected to be any adverse social or economic effects as a result of the

development. Indeed it is anticipated that there would be positive impacts only as outlined

above.

5.7 Public Safety 5.7.1 Electromagnetic Emissions

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

Optus 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 Optus installations are designed and certified by qualified professionals in accordance with

all relevant Australian Standards. This ensures that the Optus 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

ACMA 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 at Appendix F. The report shows that the maximum predicted EME will be

0.42% of the ACMA mandated exposure limit. This is the substantially less than the maximum

allowable exposure limit (where 100% of the limit is still considered to be safe).

Moreover, all Optus equipment has the following features which minimise the amounts of

energy used and emitted:


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Dynamic/Adaptive Power Control is a network feature that automatically adjusts the

power and hence minimises EME from both the base station and the handset;

Adjustment of the number of transmitters in use to meet the active telephone traffic

minimises EME from the network;

Varying the base station’s transmit power to the minimal required level, minimising EME

from the network; and

Discontinuous transmission is a feature that reduces EME emissions by automatically

switching the transmitter off when no speech or data is being sent.

5.7.2 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. 5.8 The Public Interest and the Benefits of Telecommunications

The proposed Optus facility will have significant benefits for the communities within and

around Mackay. Optus believe that the public interest would be served by the approval of the

proposal, given benefits for enhanced mobile telephone coverage and the provision of the

latest 4G broadband network in the area. The facility will have benefit for local residents,

businesses and visitors to the district.

5.8.1 Commonwealth Government Policy

This new facility by Optus will provide quicker data transfer times and should be seen in the

context of current Australian Government policy and studies undertaken in relation to the

“digitalisation” of Australian society and economy. The network rollout is clearly supported by

Federal Government policy and backed up by significant consumer demand.

In its Broadband Blueprint (2006), the Australian Government cites an estimate that universal

availability of broadband could produce economic benefits of $12 billion to $30 billion per

annum. Indeed, the first wave of information and communications technology (ICT) delivered

an immense boost to Australian productivity, accounting for up to 70 per cent of productivity

growth between 1984-85 and 2001-02. Given the importance of telecommunications in an

increasingly knowledge-based economy, a world-class telecommunications network is

essential. (Infrastructure Australia Report to Council of Australian Governments December

2008)


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5.8.2 Other Benefits of Telecommunications

Other benefits of telecommunications include:

Enabling emergency calls to those in need;

Medical Benefits – Using the various technology services, vital medical monitoring data

can be sent to hospital based specialists by local doctors or emergency services

personnel in the field. This allows for immediate and continuous medical assessments,

which were not possible previously;

Educational benefits such as curriculum sharing, data-sharing, easier links to outside

experts via web links, virtual classrooms etc. This is particularly useful at a tertiary

education level;

Emergency Services such as the fire department use 4G phones and technology to

conduct on-site assessments and send them instantly back to base;

Telecommuting presents another option for workers – with high quality 4G coverage,

workers may be able to work from home instead of travelling to work. This trend is

heavily reliant upon wireless communication, and is anticipated to continue increasing

in popularity; and

Enabling business to conduct correspondence online which saves time, resources and

money. Improved telecommunications provision effectively removes physical

distance/travel time as barrier to business.

The public benefits of telecommunications provision have been widely acknowledged

for many years. Telecommunications is now more than ever an integral component of

society, so much so that its absence is considered a social disadvantage.


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6.0 CONCLUSION

Optus propose to install a new telecommunications facility at 41 Evans Avenue, North Mackay

(described as Lot 1 M91200). The facility seeks to provide additional coverage to the North

Mackay area with the aim of it becoming an integral element within the digital mobile

telephone network that Optus is establishing throughout Queensland and across Australia.

In conjunction with Metasite Pty Ltd, Optus have undertaken an assessment of the relevant

planning and technical matters, as required by Commonwealth, State and Local legislation,

environmental, operational, radiofrequency and public safety requirements.

As a result of this process, we consider that the proposed facility is suitable for its location,

given the following reasons:

The development proposal is generally compliant with the relevant planning

considerations within the Mackay City Planning Scheme 2006;

The site has been assessed as a viable option for the effective delivery of Optus

coverage and radiofrequency objectives for the search area, in accordance with the

‘Precautionary Principle’, and will greatly improve access to mobile

telecommunications for residents of North Mackay and choice of provider.

The facility will operate within the regulatory framework of Commonwealth, State and

Local Governments;

The facility will operate within all current and relevant Australian Standards;

The development proposal is the most appropriate option from a town planning

perspective, given its location within a Commercial Area, its location within the lot and

the subsequent setbacks from the majority of buildings in the surrounding area.

The facility is not anticipated to have an adverse impact on local environmental values

for the subject site and surrounding area;

No vegetation will need to be removed and the existing commercial buildings along

the Evans Avenue road frontage will provide good screening of the proposal from the

surrounding land uses;

The proposed development will not prejudice the existing and future uses of the site;

The proposed facility will provide a structure on which other telecommunications

carriers can co-locate in future, if required;

The installation will address a number of identified customer issues relating to mobile

coverage, network capacity and the quality of mobile telephone calls; and

The proposed development will have a number of significant economic and social

benefits as outlined in previous sections of this planning report.


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Based upon the above, we respectfully request that Mackay Regional Council approve the

application and issue a Development Permit for a Material Change of Use for a

Telecommunications Facility at this location, subject to reasonable and relevant conditions,

and in accordance with the plans attached in Appendix B.

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