Public exhibition of the review of environmental factors provides an important opportunity for members of the community to have a say about this activity proposed by Amplitel and Telstra.
Amplitel (the tower owner) and Telstra (the mobile service provider) have submitted a review of environmental factors for a proposed new telecommunications facility at Sawpit Creek in Kosciuszko National Park.
This proposal is for a brownfield site (existing infrastructure at this location) but with new and additional infrastructure being proposed. The facility will involve the installation of a 40 m monopole on a bored pier footing, 4 new Telstra 4G/5G omnidirectional antennae, equipment shelter, security fence with an area of 60 square metres with a 3.0 m wide double gate, access track to site (approximately 25 m), new APZ 10 m around compound, 30 m of new conduits for fibre-optic links and power to the site.
The Australian Government's national Mobile Black Spot Program across Australia would partly fund the proposal. The Mobile Black Spot Program aims to provide new and upgraded access to many remote areas across Australia.
The expansion aims to ensure that upgraded mobile voice and internet network access is provided to benefit employees, residents, and visitors of Kosciuszko National Park.
What is a review of environmental factors?
A review of environmental factors documents the environmental impact assessment of proposed activities on lands managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. It examines the significance of the proposal's likely environmental impacts and the measures required to avoid, minimise, and mitigate adverse impacts on the environment.
Amplitel and Telstra are the proponents and National Parks and Wildlife Service is the determining authority for this activity under Part 5 (Division 5.1) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
The review of environmental factors will assist the determining authority to decide whether an activity should be approved and assist in the development of appropriate conditions should approval be given.
What opportunities will the community have to comment?
The review of environmental factors is on public exhibition until 10 May 2024, and anyone can review this document and provide comments.
What happens next?
At the end of the public exhibition period in May 2024, National Parks and Wildlife Service will review all submissions, prepare a submissions report, and request further information from the proponent if necessary.
We will determine the review of environmental factors, based on its review of the documents and the information provided in submissions. If the determination recommends that the activity may proceed, approval will be issued under s.153D of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.
How can I get more information about the proposal?
To find out more about the proposal contact the National Parks and Wildlife Service Project Officer, Utilities, on 0427 284 269.
For further information on Mobile Black Spot Program, visit Mobile Black Spot Program | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts or call on 1800 075 001.
Where can I see a printed copy of the review of environmental factors?
Hard copies are available for viewing at: Snowy Monaro Shire Council, Gippsland Street, Jindabyne, NSW 2627 (Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm)
Copies of the document can be requested from National Parks and Wildlife Service:
- by phone 0427 284 269
- by post: PO Box 2228, Jindabyne, NSW 2627 (Attention Project Officer, Utilities).
How can I comment on the review of environmental factors?
You are invited to comment on the review of environmental factors. The public exhibition of the review of environmental factors will be held until 10 May 2024.
While all submissions count, they are most effective when we understand your ideas and the outcomes you want for park management. Some suggestions to help you write your submission are:
- write clearly and be specific about the issues of concern to you
- note which part or section of the review of environmental factors or attachments your comments relate to
- give reasoning in support of your points - makes it easier for us to consider your ideas and helps avoid misinterpretation
- tell us specifically what you agree/disagree with and why.
Your comments will be used to assess the likelihood of the proposed activity causing a significant impact.
Your privacy
Your comments on the review of environmental factors may include 'personal information'. National Parks and Wildlife Service complies with the NSW Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 which regulates the collection, storage, quality, use and disclosure of personal information. See our privacy information for details. The inclusion of personal information with your submission is voluntary but information that in some way identifies you may be gathered when you use our website or send us an email.
The content of individual submissions may be shown to the proponent in cases where it may assist in determining the review of environmental factors. A summary of issues raised in public submissions may be made publicly available during and after a determination has been made.
If you wish your identity and personal information in your submission to be treated as confidential, you must request your name be treated as confidential and not include any of your personal information in the main text of the submission or attachments so that it can be easily removed.
If an application to access information under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 requests access to your submission, your views about the release will be sought if you have indicated that you object to your submission being made public.
Have your say
Public exhibition is from 10 April 2024 to 10 May 2024.
You can provide your written submission in any of the following ways:
- Post your written submission to:
Project Officer, Utilities
National Parks and Wildlife Service
PO Box 2228
Jindabyne NSW 2627 - Email your submission to: NPWS.Utilities@environment.nsw.gov.au
- Use the online form below.
