58Telecommunications

58 Telecommunications

58 Telecommunications

(1) Ecologically sustainable development objectives The ecologically sustainable development objective of this clause is to encourage telecommunications facilities and networks—

(a) to be provided in a manner that makes efficient use of existing infrastructure and services, and

(b) to be designed and located in such a way as to avoid and minimise impacts on the environment and amenity of the area in which the facilities or network are to be located, including the siting of those facilities.

(2) What must be included in the assessment before consent is granted? Before granting consent to development for the purposes of telecommunications facilities or telecommunications networks, the consent authority must have regard to the following—

(a) whether the telecommunications facilities or telecommunications networks have been designed, and will be installed and operated, to comply with standards relating to human exposure to electromagnetic energy appearing in any applicable code or standard made under any applicable law of the Commonwealth,

(b) whether the telecommunications lines will be located within existing underground conduits or ducts and whether antennae (and similar structures) are to be attached to existing utility poles, towers, structures or buildings so as to minimise visual clutter,

(c) a site analysis showing site boundaries and dimensions, existing vegetation, location of existing buildings, views to and from the site and the location of sensitive land uses within the exposure area, together with a written statement explaining how the design of the telecommunications facilities or telecommunications networks has responded to the site analysis.