Planning Report - City of Stirling Report In support of Development Application for a new mobile phone base station at: 366 Grand Promenade DIANELLA WA 6059 Prepared on behalf of Optus

Planning Report

In support of Development Application for a new mobile phone base

station at:

366 Grand Promenade DIANELLA WA 6059

Prepared on behalf of Optus Mobile Pty Ltd by Service Stream Ltd

P0652 Dianella South

07/09/2017

P0652 Dianella South Page 1 of 27

Document Quality Control

This Planning Report is prepared by:

Service Stream Ltd

535 South Road

Regency Park, SA 5010

T +61 8 7071 9664

E [email protected]

W www.servicestream.com.au

Document Control

Rev Date Status Prepared by Reviewed by

- 07/09/2017 Draft GL

/09/2017 Final GL

Disclaimer

Service Stream Ltd does not accept any risk or responsibility for a third party using this document,

unless written authorisation is provided by Service Stream Ltd.


Contents

Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................. 3

1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 1

2 Site Selection ..................................................................................................................................... 2

Need for the proposed telecommunications facility .................................................................... 2

Co-location opportunities ............................................................................................................ 2

Potential Candidates ................................................................................................................... 3

3 Preferred Nominated Candidate ...................................................................................................... 4

4 Site and Surrounds ........................................................................................................................... 6

Site details ................................................................................................................................... 6

Surrounding area ........................................................................................................................ 6

5 Proposal ........................................................................................................................................... 11

Overview ................................................................................................................................... 11

Transport, access and parking .................................................................................................. 12

Utilities ....................................................................................................................................... 12

Construction schedule ............................................................................................................... 12

Acoustic ..................................................................................................................................... 13

6 Federal Regulatory Framework ..................................................................................................... 14

Telecommunications Act 1997 .................................................................................................. 14

Telecommunications Code of Practice 1997 ............................................................................ 14

7 State Regulatory Framework ......................................................................................................... 15

Planning and Development Act 2005 ........................................................................................ 15

7.1.1 State Planning Policy 5.2 .................................................................................................. 15

8 Local Government Regulatory Framework .................................................................................. 16

Local Planning Scheme No. 3 ................................................................................................... 16

Amenity and Safety ................................................................................................................... 17

8.2.1 Visual considerations ........................................................................................................ 17

8.2.2 Health and safety .............................................................................................................. 17

Heritage ..................................................................................................................................... 18

Flora and fauna ......................................................................................................................... 18

Social and economic benefits ................................................................................................... 19

9 Conclusion ....................................................................................................................................... 20

10 Appendix A Proposal Plans ...................................................................................................... 21

11 Appendix B Environmental EME Report .................................................................................. 22

12 Appendix C Fact Sheets ............................................................................................................ 23

13 Appendix D Coverage Objectives & nearby sites ...................................................................... 0


Executive Summary

Site Address 366 Grand Promenade DIANELLA WA 6059

Real Property Description Lot 110 on 72485

Site Area 51753 m²

Registered Owner Vicinity Centres Pty Ltd

Proposal Service Stream, on behalf of Optus Mobile Pty Ltd, seeks to establish a mobile phone base station at the above site. The proposed works include installing:

A new 20m monopole with an overall height of 21.6m (including all equipment), located 1.1m from the northern wall of the existing Woolworths shopping centre;

Three (3) Panel antennas at a centreline elevation of 20.0m clamp-mounted to the proposed new monopole;

Installation of twenty-one (21) Remote Radio Units attached to the monopole at a height of 16.5m

A three-bay outdoor cabinet, colour matched to the existing shopping centre building;

Ancillary equipment, including works within the outdoor cabinet; and

The installation of four (4) traffic bollards

Coverage Objectives

A demonstrated need has been identified for a new telecommunications facility in the area to improve customer voice and data services in the Dianella locality.

Site Selection The site has been identified as the most appropriate location for the new facility following an extensive site selection process.

Council/Development plan City of Stirling

Use Definition Commercial

Zone District Centre

Applicant

Optus Mobile Pty Ltd c/- Service Stream Ltd

Contact: Graeme Lane

Phone: 0427 687 464

Email: [email protected]

Reference No. Our Site Reference: P0652 RFNSA Reference: 6059007

1 Introduction

This development application has been prepared by Service Stream Ltd, on behalf of Optus Mobile

Pty Ltd, and seeks approval of a new telecommunications facility at 366 Grand Promenade

DIANELLA WA 6059.

Optus is currently undertaking the Long Term Evolution (LTE) or 4G upgrade of their existing

mobile phone infrastructure across Australia. The overall project will see improved customer

experience through faster and more reliable voice and data services.

Due to increasing network demands for data, Optus have identified the need to install a

telecommunications facility on the site to improve both voice and data services within the Dianella

locality.

A number of potential location options were considered before selecting the site. Each potential

option was assessed against a variety of factors including colocation opportunities, proximity to

sensitive land uses, planning considerations, technical and coverage objectives, cost

considerations, land tenure, visual impact and engineering/design criteria. The site was selected

as the most appropriate location based on the above considerations, which are outlined in section

2 of this report.

To provide mobile service to the surrounding area, the proposed telecommunication installation

requires the following works:

• A new 20m monopole with an overall height of 21.6m (including all equipment), located 1.1m

from the northern wall of the existing Woolworths shopping centre;

• Three (3) Panel antennas at a centreline elevation of 20.0m clamp-mounted to the proposed

new monopole;

• Installation of twenty-one (21) Remote Radio Units attached to the monopole at a height of

16.5m

• A three-bay outdoor cabinet, colour matched to the existing shopping centre building;

• Ancillary equipment, including works within the outdoor cabinet; and

• The installation of four (4) traffic bollards

All mobile phone network operators are bound by the operational provisions of the federal

Telecommunications Act 1997 (The Act). This application for a planning permit is bound by the

core principles and operator requirements outlined within the Telecommunications Act 1997,

however consent is required from the City of Stirling Council in order to undertake the prescribed

development. More information regarding the legislative framework pursuant to this proposal is

located within Sections 6, 7 & 8 of this report.


2 Site Selection

Need for the proposed telecommunications facility

Mobile phones work by sending and receiving low power radio signals, much like a two (2) way

radio system. The signals are sent to and received from antennas that are attached to radio

transmitters and receivers, commonly referred to as mobile phone base stations. The base

stations are linked to the rest of the mobile and fixed phone network and pass the signal/call into

those networks.

Operators of telecommunications networks must constantly respond to changes in technology or

increased demand on their existing infrastructure assets. Recently, LTE or 4G has become the

latest industry standard for mobile phone network operators within the Australian marketplace.

With consumer demands reflecting an increase in demand for speed and data bandwidth, Optus

requires new infrastructure at Dianella to ensure reliable and fast mobile phone network is

provided.

Co-location opportunities

Wherever possible, Optus actively pursues site sharing arrangements and the use of existing

structures so as to prevent the proliferation of mobile phone towers and masts.

The closest existing telecommunications facility is a 30m steel pole at the Dianella Open Space,

on Morley Drive Dianella (RFNSA 6059003). This site is located more than 650m to the

northeast of the proposed site, is not within the target search area and would not meet coverage

objectives. This site is not suitable for co-location.

The next closest site is at 7-9 Cleveland St Dianella (6059005). This facility is more than 1.5km

SSE of the proposed site. This site would not meet coverage objectives for the target area and is

therefore unsuitable for co-location.

No other existing telecommunications infrastructure within the area would be suitable for

supporting telecommunications facilities to achieve the Optus coverage requirements. Therefore

a new facility is required.

A diagram demonstrating the target area and existing telecommunications sites are included at

Attachment D.


Potential Candidates

A number of factors have been considered when selecting the appropriate site for the

infrastructure. The factors include investigating opportunities to collocate on existing

infrastructure, the proposal’s proximity to existing sensitive land uses, planning considerations,

technical and coverage objectives, cost considerations, lease and land tenure, visual impact and

engineering/design criteria.

Furthermore, the site selection process incorporates the mandatory Mobile Phone Base Station

Deployment Code (C564:2011) activities which are undertaken in order to justify the proposed

location of the subject site (specifically sections 4.1, 4.2 and 8 of the Deployment Code). Such

considerations include preparation of a ‘traffic light model’ and assessment against the

Deployment Code’s precautionary approach provisions.

A number of potential candidate sites were considered when selecting the most appropriate site

for the infrastructure.

The locations of the potential candidates are detailed in the below Figure 1.

Figure 1: Potential candidates (source: Google earth)

An analysis of each candidate has been to determine the most appropriate site location for the

telecommunications facility. That analysis is summarised below.


Candidate Address Opportunities / Constraints

A - Rooftop of Shopping Centre


This candidate was rejected because tenure could not be secured for this location. Coverage objectives could not be achieved at this location.

B - 25m Monopole, shelter & compound

160 ALEXANDER DR, DIANELLA Former Dianella Hotel site and now vacant.

This candidate is subject to establishing the proposed building and use for this site. Tenure cannot be secured.

C

140 CRESSWELL RD, DIANELLA Water Corp pumping station

The Candidate was discounted because tenure could not be secured with WA Water Corp.

D Breckler Park 70 Cornwall Street DIANELLA WA 6059

The Candidate was discounted because tenure could not be secured.

E Golf Club Facility 50 Hayes Avenue YOKINE WA 6060

Development cannot be approved on A Class reserves.

F - 20m monopole in north eastern car park area.


Candidate F was deemed the most suitable as it is in a commercial zone, separated from sensitive uses and tenure can be secured.

3 Preferred Nominated Candidate

The preferred site candidate at the northern end of the shopping complex was chosen as the

preferred site candidate for the following reasons:

The proposed location is in the District Centre Zone and is considered appropriate

infrastructure in this zone. The proposed site location is in an area which is removed from

community sensitive uses, such as schools, childcare centres, aged care centres and

hospitals. The antenna configuration and low power requirements will mean that EME

emissions will be kept well below the ARPANA limits.

Visual impact – it is believed that the proposed site location will not result in the loss of

amenity or the obstruction of viewing corridors to and from the proposed site. The facility

has been designed utilising a slim-line, relatively short (20m high) monopole and a small

outdoor cabinet, instead of a large equipment shelter. Additionally, all cables will run inside

of the monopole and underground to the outdoor cabinet, further reducing clutter. Both the

pole and cabinet will be finished in colours to match the north eastern wall of the shopping

centre. Existing vegetation in the locality will assist to partly obscure the facility from

neighbouring areas.

Design and construction – the proposal at 366 Grand Promenade will offer the least

disruption during the design and construction phases for the proposed site. It is believed

that this location will offer a cost effective site solution whilst maximising coverage and

service provisions within the identified locality.


Coverage – the proposal will offer the best level of coverage and service provisions to the

Dianella locality. This is a main determining factor within the site selection process.

Tenure – obtaining an agreement with the land owner of the subject site provides surety in

determining the location of a mobile phone base station. An agreement has been

determined with the subject land owner and Optus.


4 Site and Surrounds

Site details

The subject site is located at 366 Grand Promenade DIANELLA WA 6059. The legal description

of the entire property is Lot 110 on 72485. An aerial plan demonstrating the proposed site

location and the context of the property is located within Figure 2 below:

Figure 2: Subject site (source: Google earth)

The proposed site is located close to the north-eastern wall of the shopping centre building, within

the District Centre Zone.

Surrounding area

The immediate locality is suburban in nature and characterised by mostly low-density single storey

dwellings in grid patterned streets. Mature vegetation, including tall gums contribute to the

traditional established suburban form, especially in Waverley Street, where the Waverley Pola

Reserve, an open space area of approximately 1.5 hectares, is located.

The Shopping Centre complex is a dominant feature of the locality and presents to the Grand

Promenade to the south-west, Alexander Drive to the west, Waverly Street to the north-east and

Lowick Road to the south-east. The shopping centre complex also contains separate buildings

ancillary to the main centre building, including two petrol stations, family restaurants and fast food

outlets. A hotel, once located in the northern corner of the site has been recently demolished.

Proceeding photographs demonstrate the site and surrounds.


Photograph 1: View of the site – taken from northern car park


Photograph 2: Streetview of the site from Waverley / Pitt Streets (Google earth)

Photograph 3: View of Waverley

Street, looking southeast. Dianella

Church of Christ is to the left,

opposite the subject site.


Photograph 4: View of car park area, looking south east. Note established screening trees.


Photograph 5: The closest adjoining residence, approx. 80m north of the site


5 Proposal

Mobile networks are like roads - when traffic increases, upgrades are needed to relieve congestion

and remove roadblocks. Congestion is relieved by making changes to existing base stations or

adding additional base stations in areas where we may already have existing coverage.

The following proposal is necessary to alleviate congestion and improve service issues within the

Dianella locality.

Overview

The proposed telecommunication installation requires the following works:

Installation of a new 20m monopole with an overall height of 21.6m (including all

equipment), located 1.1m from the northern wall of the existing Woolworths shopping

centre;

Installation of three (3) Panel antennas at a centreline elevation of 20.0m, clamp-mounted

to the proposed new monopole;

The installation of twenty-one (21) Remote Radio Units attached to the monopole at a

height of 16.5m;

The installation of a three-bay outdoor cabinet, colour matched to the existing shopping

centre building;

The installation of ancillary equipment, including works within the outdoor cabinet; and

The installation of four (4) traffic bollards, located 1.9m from the shopping centres wall

As previously highlighted, Optus Mobile Pty Ltd has an obligation under the Industry Code to

ensure that all suitable alternatives have been explored as part of the justification behind this

development application. It is believed that proposed works as outlined above will not result in any

adverse visual or environmental impact to the surrounding environs within the Dianella locality.

The proposal is demonstrated through the proposal plans, attached to this submission in

Appendix A.


Transport, access and parking

Access to the facility will be obtained via the existing car park access point at the Waverley Street

/ Pitt Street roundabout. The location of the access route is indicatively shown on the proposal

plans attached in Appendix A.

Mobile phone base stations require only infrequent maintenance visits (i.e. only two (2) to four (4)

times per year). Furthermore, as the site will operate on a continually unmanned basis, the

proposal will not be a generator of vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic.

The use of a small outdoor equipment cabinet ensures that no existing car parking spaces will be

annexed by the new base station. Dedicated and reserved parking spaces are not necessary for

normal maintenance visits to the site.

Utilities

The final power design for the site is yet to be confirmed. The indicative power design/route for

the proposed facility has been outlined within the drawing package, located within Appendix A of

this document.

The unmanned nature of the proposed mobile base station removes the need for connection to

water or sewer services.

Furthermore, the proposal incorporates very minimal hard surfaces and therefore will generate

insignificant storm water runoff from the site. As such, the proposal does not require connection

to the storm water network.

Construction schedule

The construction of the proposed mobile phone base station primarily consists of the following

processes:

Remediation – ensuring that the land is suitable for construction. This is inclusive of

confirming existing structural assessments and the provisioning of cabling (if required).

Installation of new equipment – reflective of the scope of works outlined within this

Development Application; and

Network Integration – Ensuring that the mobile phone base station can connect with both

end users and other sites within the Optus network.


During the construction of the facility, a truck will be required to deliver necessary equipment to

the site and a crane will be used to establish the facility. Traffic associated with the construction

phase will be temporary in nature and will not affect existing traffic flows in the surrounding area.

Should a road closure be required for the erection and installation of equipment, the appropriate

approvals will be obtained from Council and Main Roads, Western Australia.

Acoustic

The outdoor cabinet contains small exhaust fans, required to ensure the equipment stays within

normal operating temperatures. The operation of these fans will not result in any adverse impact

to neighbouring properties, given the negligible noise levels generated and the separation of the

facility to surrounding land uses.


6 Federal Regulatory Framework

The following information provides a summary of the Federal legislation relevant to

telecommunications deployment in this case.

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.

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.

This subject proposal is for a freestanding monopole, associated antennas and equipment.

Pursuant to the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 1997 the proposed

facility cannot be considered as low- impact. Accordingly, the proposal is not exempt from

State and local planning laws and therefore the provisions of the Planning and Development Act

2005 and the City of Stirling Local Planning Scheme 3 are applicable.

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. The subject proposal is considered to comply with “best practice” given the

proposal will:

Provide improved telecommunications and wireless internet coverage in the Dianella 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; and

Be finished in colours and materials that will reduce visual impact.


7 State Regulatory Framework

Planning and Development Act 2005 As the subject proposal does not fall within the specified development criteria outlined within the

‘Low Impact Determination’ planning consent is required pursuant to the Planning and

Development Act 2005.

7.1.1 State Planning Policy 5.2

The WA State Planning Policy 5.2 Telecommunications Infrastructure Policy sets out the

provisions to be applied by Western Australian Councils when assessing applications for new

Telecommunications facilities that are not Low-Impact Facilities.

The Objectives of the Policy are to:

a) facilitate the provision of telecommunications infrastructure in an efficient and

environmentally responsible manner to meet community needs;

b) manage the environmental, cultural heritage, visual and social impacts of

telecommunications infrastructure;

c) ensure that telecommunications infrastructure is included in relevant planning processes

as essential infrastructure for business, personal and emergency reasons; and,

d) promote a consistent approach in the preparation, assessment and determination of

planning decisions for telecommunications infrastructure.

The following Policy Measures are considered relevant to the assessment of the proposal:

5.1.1 The benefit of improved telecommunications services should be balanced with the visual

impact on the surrounding area.

i) Assessment of the visual impact of development proposals for telecommunications

infrastructure should be made on a case by case basis;

ii) Telecommunications infrastructure should be sited and designed to minimise visual impact and

whenever possible:

a) be located where it will not be prominently visible from significant viewing locations such

as scenic routes, lookouts and recreation sites;

b) be located to avoid detracting from a significant view of a heritage item or place, a

landmark, a streetscape, vista or a panorama, whether viewed from public or private land;

c) not be located on sites where environmental, cultural heritage, social and visual landscape

values maybe compromised and

d) display design features, including scale, materials, external colours and finishes that are

sympathetic to the surrounding landscape;


iii) In addition to the existing exemptions under the Telecommunication Act, local governments

should consider exempting telecommunications infrastructure from the requirement for

development approval where:

a) The infrastructure has a maximum height of 30 metres from finished ground level;

b) The proposal complies with the policy measures outlined in this policy; and

c) The proponent has undertaken notification of the proposal in a similar manner to ‘low

impact facilities’ as defined and set out in the Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment

Industry Code (C564:2011);

iv) Telecommunications infrastructure should be located where it will facilitate continuous network

coverage and/or improved telecommunications services to the community; and

v) Telecommunications infrastructure should be collocated and whenever possible:

a) Cables and lines should be located within an existing underground conduit or duct; and

b) Overhead lines and towers should be co-located with existing infrastructure and/or within

existing infrastructure corridors and/or mounted on existing or proposed buildings.

8 Local Government Regulatory Framework

Local Planning Scheme No. 3

As highlighted earlier in this report, the Local Planning Scheme applicable to the proposed

development is the City of Stirling Local Planning Scheme No. 3 (the LPS).

The proposed Base Station is to be located within the District Centre Zone. Telecommunications

Infrastructure is deemed to be a ‘Discretionary Use’ within the Zone as set out in the Zoning

Tables of the LPS. Therefore, Council must assess the proposal with regard to the Provisions

relating to the zone.

The Objectives of the District Centre Zone are:

a) To provide for an extended range of shopping, commercial and community services to

meet the weekly needs of the catchment neighbourhoods, and contribute towards the

employment needs of the local workforce.

b) To ensure the design and siting of development provides a high standard of safety and

amenity and contributes towards a sense of place and community.


Amenity and Safety

8.2.1 Visual considerations

Thousands of mobile phone base stations are currently in operation around Australia, making

panel antennas, dishes and other relevant equipment common place in the urban landscape.

The proposal is located within a commercial setting, which allows for reasonable separation to

surrounding land uses. The proposal is located approximately 87m from the closest residence.

The proposal minimises the visual appearance of the facility through the use of a slim line

monopole installation, which has very minimal building bulk, and minimising the height of the

monopole itself to a nominal 20m. In this instance the overall height of 21.6m is required to provide

appropriate service to the surrounding area and facilitate a line-of-sight connection to the

surrounding network, which is an operational requirement for the facility.

The antenna equipment will be attached to the monopole using a pole mounted design, eliminating

the requirement for a large bulky head frame. Similarly, the Remote Radio Units are pole mounted

below the antennas.

A small, stand-alone outdoor cabinet is utilised, instead of a large equipment shelter within a

fenced compound, which is the normal configuration for a Base Station.

It is proposed that the monopole, cabinet and equipment will be painted to match the north-eastern

wall of the shopping centre building. Alternatively, Council may propose different colour

treatments to help mitigate the visual impact of the facility.

8.2.2 Health and safety

It is a commitment from Optus to ensure the health and safety of the wider community. Often,

there is a misconception regarding the perceived health risks surrounding mobile phone base

stations and Electromagnetic Energy (EME).

EME is non-ionising radiation, meaning that it has insufficient energy to break chemical bonds or

remove electrons (ionisation). In contrast, ionising radiation (such as X-rays) can remove

electrons from atoms and molecules thus leading to damage in biological tissue

(Source: ARPANSA).

The frequencies and energy levels in which mobile phone technologies operate are heavily

regulated by the Australian Communication and Media Authority (ACMA) and Australian Radiation

Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA). These organisations set limits as to how

much power and EME emissions a mobile phone base station can produce before resulting in

potential harmful impacts to the community.


Mobile phone base station emissions are many times below the general public exposure limit of

around 4.5-10 watts per square metre (frequency dependent) as set out in the ARPANSA standard

(Source: ARPANSA).

Optus ensures any upgraded or new site is compliant with Australian safety standards. Optus has

adopted stringent processes ensuring full compliance with Australia’s safety standards

(ARPANSA) can be demonstrated, including the preparation of an EME report for all sites. The

duly completed EME report for the subject proposal is attached to this report in Appendix B.

The EME report demonstrates the maximum EME level produced by the subject facility will be

1.82% of the maximum allowable limit regulated by ARPANSA. This is many times below the

regulated exposure limit. More information regarding health and safety has been provided within

Appendix C of this report.

Optus undertakes further measures when designing the facility to minimise the EME exposure to

the general public, by installing the facility in accordance with the Australian Mobile

Telecommunications Association (AMTA) Radio frequency (RF) Safety Compliance Program –

Base Station Design Guidelines Engineering for Access Control. These preventative measures

include:

A Power Control network feature that automatically adjusts the power of the network

transmission based on consumer demand.

Varying the facility’s transmit power to the minimal required level, minimising RF

emissions from the facility.

Discontinuous transmission, a feature that reduces EME emissions by automatically

switching the transmitter off when no data is being sent.

Heritage

No known items of heritage significance have been found within the subject land holding.

Flora and fauna

There are no known items of Flora and Fauna significance (including endangered species) located

in the vicinity of the proposal site. Further, the proposed works are to be undertaken within a car

parking area and not expected to have any impact on any flora or fauna.


Social and economic benefits

Since 2007, the number of mobile phone subscriptions has exceeded the overall population of

Australia. As such, consumers have an increasing expectation for a reliable, fast and cost

effective mobile phone network across all areas of Australia.

In addition, the wider community has seen a general reliance on mobile phone networks for a

number of uses beyond that of traditional voice calls. Australia has one of the highest penetrations

of smartphone usage in the world. Increasingly, smartphones and tablet devices have become

essential tools for business and consumers. Community expectation requires the mobile phone

network to support these activities in a dependable and reliable manner.

Optus have sought to ensure major improvements to their network through 24hr monitoring of

network performance. Furthermore, upgrading existing infrastructure and building new

telecommunication facilities are necessary to provide a sustainable mobile network which meets

the community expectation. Therefore, the subject application is necessary to deliver an

appropriate mobile service to the Dianella locality.

Further to this, mobile phone networks form a vital “first response” tool to emergency situations –

hence the importance of carriers to ensure that their infrastructure can be maintained to the

highest standards.


9 Conclusion

The proposed telecommunications facility at 366 Grand Promenade, Dianella will form a vital

component of the Optus network.

As previously highlighted, the proposed Optus mobile phone base station will provide both voice

and data services within the Dianella locality. Optus has identified that coverage within the

specified area requires improvement to ensure ongoing service provisions to personal users and

businesses who take advantage of the Optus network.

The proposed facility is considered appropriate on the site given:

The site is located within the District Centre zone which is considered a suitable location

for the proposed facility. The application demonstrates compliance with all applicable

provisions and as such, the proposal is an appropriate use on the site.

The location is appropriately separated from child care centres, hospitals and schools.

The immediate area is well vegetated, providing good screening to the structure which

aids in minimising the visual prominence of the facility.

The proposal will not require the clearing of any trees.

The site is not located within an environmentally or culturally significant area.

The site is appropriately serviced and has a readily available access to the electricity

supply and the existing transport network.

The proposed facility will not prejudice the existing or anticipated future use of the site.

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

for the area.

Based on the above, the proposed application, to install a telecommunications facility at 366 Grand

Promenade, Dianella is considered appropriate for the site and warrants favourable consideration

by Council subject to reasonable and relevant conditions.

Should Council have any further queries regarding the subject application, please do not hesitate

to contact the nominated representative:

Graeme Lane MPIA

P: 08 7071 9664

M: 0427 687 464

535 South Road, Regency Park, SA 5010

[email protected]


10 Appendix A Proposal Plans


11 Appendix B Environmental EME Report

Environmental EME report (v11.4, Oct 2016) Produced with RF-Map 2.0 (Build 2.0) NAD (v1.0.73869.27276)

Environmental EME Report

366 Grand Promenade, DIANELLA WA 6059

This report provides a summary of Calculated RF EME Levels around the wireless base station

Date 27/7/2017 RFNSA Site No. 6059007

Introduction

The purpose of this report is to provide calculations of EME levels from the existing facilities at the site and any proposed additional facilities.

This report provides a summary of levels of radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic energy (EME) around the wireless base station at 366 Grand Promenade DIANELLA WA 6059. These levels have been calculated by Radhaz Consulting using methodology developed by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA).

The maximum EME level calculated for the proposed systems at this site is 1.82% of the public exposure limit.

The ARPANSA Standard

ARPANSA, an Australian Government agency in the Health and Ageing portfolio, has established a Radiation Protection Standard specifying limits for general public exposure to RF transmissions at frequencies used by wireless base stations. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) mandates the exposure limits of the ARPANSA Standard.

How the EME is calculated in this report

The procedure used for these calculations is documented in the ARPANSA Technical Report “Radio Frequency EME Exposure Levels - Prediction Methodologies” which is available at http://www.arpansa.gov.au.

RF EME values are calculated at 1.5m above ground at various distances from the base station, assuming level ground.

The estimate is based on worst-case scenario, including:

wireless base station transmitters for mobile and broadband data operating at maximum power

simultaneous telephone calls and data transmission

an unobstructed line of sight view to the antennas.

In practice, exposures are usually lower because:

the presence of buildings, trees and other features of the environment reduces signal strength

the base station automatically adjusts transmit power to the minimum required.

Maximum EME levels are estimated in 360° circular bands out to 500m from the base station.

These levels are cumulative and take into account emissions from all wireless base station antennas at this site. The EME levels are presented in three different units:

volts per metre (V/m) – the electric field component of the RF wave

milliwatts per square metre (mW/m²) – the power density (or rate of flow of RF energy per unit area)

percentage (%) of the ARPANSA Standard public exposure limit (the public exposure limit = 100%).

Results

The maximum EME level calculated for the proposed systems at this site is 7.33 V/m; equivalent to 142.35 mW/m² or 1.82% of the public exposure limit.

http://www.arpansa.gov.au/


Radio Systems at the Site

There are currently no existing radio systems for this site.

It is proposed that this base station will have equipment for transmitting the following services:

Carrier Radio Systems

Optus LTE700 (proposed), WCDMA900 (proposed), LTE1800 (proposed), WCDMA2100 (proposed), LTE2600 (proposed), LTE2300 (proposed)

Calculated EME Levels

This table provides calculations of RF EME at different distances from the base station for emissions from existing equipment alone and for emissions from existing equipment and proposed equipment combined.

Distance from the antennas at

366 Grand Promenade in 360

circular bands

Maximum Cumulative EME Level at 1.5m above ground – all carriers at this site

Existing Equipment Proposed Equipment

Electric Field V/m

Power Density mW/m²

% ARPANSA exposure limits

Electric Field V/m


% ARPANSA exposure limits

0m to 50m 50m to 100m

100m to 200m 200m to 300m 300m to 400m 400m to 500m

5.21 5.67 7.33 5.27 3.55 2.64

72.026 85.15

142.35 73.61 33.36 18.48

0.83% 1.2%

1.82% 0.93% 0.42% 0.23%

Maximum EME level

7.33 142.35 1.82

129.93 m from the antennas at 366 Grand

Promenade

Calculated EME levels at other areas of interest

This table contains calculations of the maximum EME levels at selected areas of interest that have been identified through the consultation requirements of the Communications Alliance Ltd Deployment Code C564:2011 or via any other means. The calculations are performed over the indicated height range and include all existing and any proposed radio systems for this site.

Additional Locations Height / Scan

relative to location ground level

Maximum Cumulative EME Level All Carriers at this site

Existing and Proposed Equipment

Electric Field V/m


% of ARPANSA exposure limits

1 Church 0m to 4m 2.76 20.15 0.4%

2 Dwelling 0m to 6m 4.12 45.1 0.74%

3 School 0m to 6m 2.14 12.2 0.19%


RF EME Exposure Standard

The calculated EME levels in this report have been expressed as percentages of the ARPANSA RF Standard and this table shows the actual RF EME limits used for the frequency bands available. At frequencies below 2000 MHz the limits vary across the band and the limit has been determined at the Assessment Frequency indicated. The four exposure limit figures quoted are equivalent values expressed in different units – volts per metre (V/m), watts per square metre (W/m²), microwatts per square centimetre (µW/cm²) and milliwatts per square metre (mW/m²). Note: 1 W/m² = 100 µW/cm² = 1000 mW/m².

Radio Systems Frequency Band Assessment Frequency

ARPANSA Exposure Limit (100% of Standard)

LTE 700 758 – 803 MHz 750 MHz 37.6 V/m = 3.75 W/m² = 375 µW/cm² = 3750 mW/m²

WCDMA850 870 – 890 MHz 900 MHz 41.1 V/m = 4.50 W/m² = 450 µW/cm² = 4500 mW/m²

GSM900, LTE900, WCDMA900 935 – 960 MHz 900 MHz 41.1 V/m = 4.50 W/m² = 450 µW/cm² = 4500 mW/m²

GSM1800, LTE1800 1805 – 1880 MHz 1800 MHz 58.1 V/m = 9.00 W/m² = 900 µW/cm² = 9000 mW/m²

LTE2100, WCDMA2100 2110 – 2170 MHz 2100 MHz 61.4 V/m = 10.00 W/m² = 1000 µW/cm² = 10000 mW/m²

LTE2300 2302 – 2400 MHz 2300 MHz 61.4 V/m = 10.00 W/m² = 1000 µW/cm² = 10000 mW/m²



Further Information

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is a Federal Government agency incorporated under the Health and Ageing portfolio. ARPANSA is charged with responsibility for protecting the health and safety of people, and the environment, from the harmful effects of radiation (ionising and non-ionising).

Information about RF EME can be accessed at the ARPANSA website, http://www.arpansa.gov.au, including:

Further explanation of this report in the document “Understanding the ARPANSA Environmental EME Report”

The procedure used for the calculations in this report is documented in the ARPANSA Technical Report; “Radio Frequency EME Exposure Levels - Prediction Methodologies”

the current RF EME exposure standard

Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), 2002, ‘Radiation Protection Standard: Maximum Exposure Levels to Radiofrequency Fields — 3 kHz to 300 GHz’, Radiation Protection Series Publication No. 3, ARPANSA, Yallambie Australia. [Printed version: ISBN 0-642-79400-6 ISSN 1445-9760] [Web version: ISBN 0-642-79402-2 ISSN 1445-9760]

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is responsible for the regulation of broadcasting, radiocommunications, telecommunications and online content. Information on EME is available at http://emr.acma.gov.au

The Communications Alliance Ltd Industry Code C564:2011 ‘Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment’ is available from the Communications Alliance Ltd website, http://commsalliance.com.au .

Contact details for the Carriers (mobile phone companies) present at this site and the most recent version of this document are available online at the Radio Frequency National Site Archive, http://www.rfnsa.com.au.


http://emr.acma.gov.au/

http://commsalliance.com.au/

http://www.rfnsa.com.au/


12 Appendix C Fact Sheets

MCF Fact Sheets

Mobile phones work by sending and receiving low power radiosignals, much like a 2 way radio system. The signals are sent toand received from antennas that are attached to radio transmittersand receivers, commonly referred to as mobile phone basestations. The base stations are linked to the rest of the mobile andfixed phone network and pass the signal/call on into thosenetworks.

What happens when I make a call frommy mobile phone?The first step in the process is for the phone to check that there iscoverage in the area that the call is made. Once the phone hasverified that there is sufficient signal strength to make the call, thephone establishes a connection with a nearby mobile phone basestation. This base station then establishes the call and holds thecall as long as the phone user remains on the call and in the rangeof that base station.

What is a mobile phone base station?A mobile phone base station provides coverage to a geographicarea known as a “cell”. Cells are aligned next to each other in asimilar pattern to a honeycomb, and it is for this reason that mobilephone networks are sometimes referred to as “cellular” networks.

The location of the base station within the cell is determined by anumber of factors, including topography and other physicalconstraints such as trees and buildings, the cell ‘capacity’ ornumber of calls expected to be made in the cell, and the radiofrequency at which the base station will operate.

Topography and physical constraintsIn essence, a mobile phone needs to have ‘sight’ of a mobilephone base station. In other words, the radio signal from the phoneto the base station needs to be uninterrupted. Hills, trees and tallbuildings can obscure this line of sight and so base stations needto be very carefully located to maximise the coverage available.

Cell capacityEach base station can only carry a finite number of calls. In areas ofhigh mobile phone use, such as central business districts and highdensity areas, more base stations are required to handle the level ofcall traffic. In high use areas, there are often a range of basestations, from very specific in-building solutions (designed to givequality coverage within a specific building), to very small basestations known as ‘microcells’. Microcells cover a small geographicarea and are often found at intersections and in heavy pedestriantraffic areas. In rural areas, or areas where mobile phone use is notas high, base stations will often be located on hills or tall structuresto maximise the coverage area.

How the mobile phone network operates

NETWORK STRUCTURE NETWORK COVERAGE EXAMPLE

suburban industrial city heavy usage = more antennas

base station

Indicative illustration only

MCF Fact Sheets

Radio FrequencyEach base station has a number of radio channels, or frequencies,to communicate with mobile phones. Because this number offrequencies is limited, frequencies are often reused in adjoiningcells. This is achieved by reducing the power level of the basestation to ensure that there is minimal or no overlap of the coveragebetween cells.

How does it work if I am moving around?Calls can be transferred from one base station to another. As youmove out of the cell, the phone will automatically look for signalfrom an adjoining base station. There is usually a smooth transitionor ‘handover’ from cell to cell. During the duration of a call, thephone may have handed over to and from a number of basestations. If there is no adjoining base station, such as on the fringesof the mobile phone network, the call will drop out.

What does a base station do?A base station connects the call in to the fixed line network.Depending on the type of call, it will be directed to either anothermobile phone or to a fixed line phone.

A base station is made up of antennas connected by cable toelectronic (radio) equipment usually housed in a room or ‘shelter’.Some base stations have radio communications dishes (shapedlike a drum) that connect the base station to the rest of the basestation network.

What do people mean when they talkabout second generation (2G) and thirdgeneration (3G) networks?3G, or third generation networks, operate in a different way to 2Gnetworks. When a call is made on 2G, a line is held open for theuser’s conversation throughout the duration of the call. With 3Gnetworks, the data sent across them is parcelled up in to little‘packets’ which are reassembled in the correct order at thereceiving end. This smart encoding means more data can be sentand it is sent more efficiently. In addition, 3G handsets can be incontact with more than one base station at a time and thisprovides improved performances in voice quality and data rates.Some people call 3G “mobile broadband” because the evolution issimilar to the difference between dial up internet and the alwaysavailable broadband internet services.

Where can I get more information?Mobile Carriers ForumEmail us at [email protected] MCF Contact Details: www.mcf.amta.org.au/pages/Contact.Uswww.mcf.amta.org.au

GSM Associationwww.gsmworld.com/health/networks/how.shtml

Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety AgencyPh: 03 9433 2211www.arpansa.gov.au/pubs/eme/fact6.pdf

Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)Ph: 03 9963 6800www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD//pc=PC_310377

CALL TRANSFER PATH

mobile phone

antenna

transfer to anywhere in the world

base station

mobile phone

fixed landline

exchange

Indicative illustration only

Revised April 2013

Mobile Base Stations and Health

For many of us, mobile phones are an essential part of everyday life. It’s the most convenient way to stay connected to people and online information. In order to work, our phones and wireless broadband devices connect to a network of mobile base stations. You can see antennas and base station equipment in many different places, including building rooftops, roadside poles, and at community facilities. The mobile phone carriers (Telstra, Optus and Vodafone Hutchison Australia) are responsible for installing and upgrading their base station networks. These are some of the answers to questions that are frequently asked about mobile networks and safety. I have heard there’s a new base station proposed in my suburb. Are they safe? Like many other things, base stations are subject to a safety standard regulated by the Australian Federal Government. The regulations cover lots of radio services including AM and FM radio, police, fire and ambulance communications as well as mobile phones, wireless devices and mobile base stations. Mobile base stations must comply with these regulations and information on the compliance and emission levels can be found on the national site database at www.rfnsa.com.au for each site. Who sets the safety standard? A government organisation called ARPANSA (Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency) set the safety standard after careful analysis of national and international scientific studies. The standard is based on guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). What about the increase in wireless laptops and other devices? Does that change the safety of a base station? As technology evolves and equipment is updated, the fundamental safety regulations must still be met. So, as we saw analogue technology make way for 2G, 3G and now 4

th Generation mobile technologies such as LTE (Long

Term Evolution), and other high speed data technologies emerging, the safety requirements stay the same – the

Standard is relevant for the radio frequency range that phones and other devices use, regardless of the technology. What about the effect on children? The safety standard is set at a level that protects everyone, including children and the elderly. What do the experts say? The WHO has a number of fact sheets about mobile phones and health available on their website. In the “Base Stations and Wireless Networks” fact sheet, the WHO states “Considering the very low exposure levels and research results collected to date, there is no convincing scientific evidence that the weak radio frequency (RF) signals from base stations and wireless networks cause adverse health effects”. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs304/en/index.html Similarly ARPANSA’s latest factsheet updated in 2012 “Mobile Telephone Communications Antennas and Health Effects” concludes that “No adverse health effects are expected from continuous exposure to the RF radiation emitted by the antennas on mobile telephone base station towers”. http://www.arpansa.gov.au/radiationprotection/factsheets/is_antenna.cfm Where can I get more information? Independent information can be obtained from:

Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear

Safety Agency (ARPANSA)

Ph: 03 9433 2211

www.arpansa.gov.au

World Health Organization:

http://www.who.int/peh-emf/en/ Additional information can be obtained from:

Mobile Carriers Forum

Ph: (02) 6295 8191

www.mcf.amta.org.au

EMF Explained web site

www.emfexplained.info

http://www.rfnsa.com.au/

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs304/en/

http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs304/en/


http://www.who.int/peh-emf/en/

http://www.mcf.amta.org.au/

http://www.emfexplained.info/

Reading the Australian radiation protection and

nuclear safety agency EME report

The ARPANSA EME Report has been developed by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) to ensure that information about wireless base stations and levels of electromagnetic energy (EME) are clearly provided to interested stakeholders. An ARPANSA EME Report must be prepared for all new wireless base station installations and for upgrades of existing sites where the Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code 2011requires an ARPANSA EME report. The ARPANSA EME Reports are prepared by the carrier or a consultant on the carrier’s behalf. This report is publically accessible via the mobile carrier’s national database of all mobile phone sites, the Radio Frequency National site Archive(RFNSA- see www.rfnsa.com.au). Mobile phone networks operate by sending radio signals from wireless base station antennas placed in strategic locations to and from mobile phones. These antennas are radio transceivers that transmit and receive electromagnetic energy in a specific surrounding area, much like other two-way radio signals. For more information on electromagnetic energy, please refer to the ARPANSA fact sheet “Electromagnetic energy and its effects” found at http://www.arpansa.gov.au/eme/index.cfm EME is estimated using the mandated ARPANSA EME Report methodology. This methodology produces a predictive report based on site specific information and then adopting uniform assessment criteria. The report provides estimates based on the maximum predicted levels of EME. The first two headings of the report provide introductory information about how the report is prepared and the EME regulations in relation to wireless base stations. For more information about the EME exposure limits, please refer to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) fact sheet “Mobile base stations and EME” found at http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_1750

Existing Site Radio Systems This section of the ARPANSA EME Report provides information about any existing mobile telephone or other known wireless systems already operating at the specific location. This would include other carriers’ operating systems. The ARPANSA EME Report predictions take in to account the EME levels of operating systems able to be identified by the carrier at that specific location, so that the EME information provided in the Table of Predicted EME Levels is cumulative information. Table of Predicted EME Levels – Existing This table shows the predicted levels of electromagnetic energy from the existing site. Information about the levels of EME are predicted from beneath the proposed antennas to distances of 500m from the site. The left side of the table shows the levels calculated in circular “bands” from the site, i.e. from the base to 5m distance, 5m to 50 m distance and so on. For example, if you were interested in the maximum predicted level of EME at a distance of 90m from the site, you would refer to the level in the 50m – 100m band. The level reported in each band is the maximum level that will occur in that band. The right side of the table provides information about the predicted levels of EME. The information is expressed as a percentage of the Australian Government’s mandated ARPANSA Standard (RPS3). This Standard provides protection for all people (including children, the infirm and the elderly) for assumed exposure 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The levels are predicted at interval distances from the mobile phone base station at a height of 1.5m above the ground. This table assumes that the ground level is flat. Appendix A of the EME Report may provide further information if there is a significant variation in the ground level from the site.

http://www.arpansa.gov.au/eme/index.cfm

Existing and proposed radio systems This section details the existing radio systems and provides further detail about the proposed radio systems. It should be noted that this section is used when there are existing systems, rather than new facilities where there are no existing base station equipment. Proposed radio systems This section provides details about the operating systems that the carrier intends to install at the site. It should be noted that this section is used when there is no existing base station equipment at the site. This information is usually expressed in terms of the identified frequency band at which the systems will operate. (E.g.) Wideband CDMA 2100 – WCDMA2100 For more information on radio frequencies and systems, please refer to the ARPANSA fact sheet “About mobile phone networks” found at http://www.arpansa.gov.au/eme/index.cfm Table of predicted EME levels – proposed This table provides calculations of the predicted levels of electromagnetic energy from the proposed site. This includes both the existing and the proposed installations. The left side of the table shows levels calculated in circular “bands” from the site, i.e. from the base to 5m distance, 5m to 50 m distance and so on. For example, if you were interested in the maximum predicted level of EME at a distance of 90m from the site, you would refer to the level in the 50m – 100m band. The level reported in each band is the maximum level that will occur in that band, at a height of 1.5m above ground level The right side of the table provides information about the predicted levels of EME from any existing radio transceiver equipment and the proposed equipment. The information is expressed as a percentage of the Australian Government mandated ARPANSA Standard (RPS3). This Standard provides protection for all people (including children, the infirm and the elderly) for assumed exposure 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The levels are calculated uniformly out to a distance of 500m from the base station at a height of 1.5m above the ground. This table assumes that the ground level is flat. Appendix A of the EME Report may provide further information if there is a significant variation in the ground level from the site. The bottom of the table highlights the maximum predicted cumulative EME level from the site. It provides information about the maximum predicted level and the actual distance from the site at which it occurs. The predicted cumulative levels of EME do not include any predictions from other equipment on the site other than wireless base station antennas.

Summary – Proposed Radio Systems This section provides a statement about the maximum level of EME for the proposed site expressed as a percentage of the mandatory public exposure limits. Appendix A: Other areas of interest This section of the report provides information on specific locations which may be considered as an “area of interest” in relation to the proposed facility. This would include areas identified as community sensitive locations as defined in the Deployment Code consultation plan, and any other specific locations of interest to stakeholders and could be areas which may be affected by differing topography i.e. when the land is not flat. Mobile phone carriers are required to consider areas of interest as part of their planning and consultation process. The ARPANSA EME Report can provide information about predicted levels of EME at certain identified locations such as schools, child care centres and residential addresses. Appendix A allows for up to 5 locations to be included in the report. This section of the report can also provide predictions for situations such as land sloping upward away from the base station or for differing building heights. For example, a primary school may be located 205m away from the base station. The report can be prepared so that the location of the school is expressed by its distance from the base station, and the predicted level of EME at that specific location is calculated and shown in Appendix A. Similarly, if a 3 storey building is located 50m from the base station, the maximum EME levels can be predicted at an estimated height on the façade of the building, such as the balcony on the second floor. If the building was on ground level higher than the mobile phone base station, the calculations can be adjusted accordingly. Summary The ARPANSA EME Report is an important tool for providing the community with information about estimated levels of EME from wireless base stations. It is prepared by mobile phone carriers as part of the process for deploying mobile phone base stations. Each report is prepared on a site specific basis following a methodology developed by ARPANSA. For more information about the methodology, please refer to the ARPANSA Fact sheet “Understanding the ARPANSA EME Report” found at http://www.arpansa.gov.au/emereports/explanation.cfm If you have any questions about site specific reports, please refer them directly to the relevant carrier. For more information about EME, the Australian Communications and Media Authority have a web site specifically focussing on this issue “Mobile phone towers and EME: information for Communities and Councils” which can be found at http://emr.acma.gov.au/ Revised April 2013

http://emr.acma.gov.au/

13 Appendix D Coverage Objectives & nearby sites

Documents

Planning Report - City of Stirling Report In support of Development Application for a new mobile phone base station at: 366 Grand Promenade DIANELLA WA 6059 Prepared on behalf of Optus