Kosciuszko National Park, Blowering, draft review of environmental factors for proposed telecommunications facility: public consultation

Public exhibition of the draft review of environmental factors (REF) provides an important opportunity for members of the community to give feedback in relation to this activity proposed by Amplitel and Telstra.

Amplitel (the tower owner) has submitted a draft REF for a proposed new telecommunications facility at 2957 Snowy Mountains Highway, Blowering NSW 2720 in Kosciuszko National Park. This proposal is for a brownfield site (which means there is existing infrastructure at this location) but Amplitel is proposing the building of new and additional infrastructure. The facility will involve the installation of:

• a 40m monopole on a bored pier footing
• a triangular head frame and equipment shelter
• a security fence with an area of 100 m² with a 3.0 m wide double gate
• an access track to site (about 10m long)
• a new asset protection zone 10 m around the compound
• 30m of new conduits for fibre optic links
• power to the site.

Amplitel is proposing to install a new mobile phone base station as part of the Improving Mobile Coverage Round (IMCR), which forms part of the Mobile Black Spot Program. The IMCR is implementing the NSW Government’s commitments to improve mobile coverage and quality of service at target locations across rural, regional and remote Australia. Feedback from the public and the telecommunications industry was used in the design of the IMCR. The new installation aims to provide upgraded mobile voice and internet network access to benefit Kosciuszko National Park employees, residents, and visitors.

Review of environmental factors explained

A review of environmental factors   documents the environmental impact assessment of proposed activities on lands managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). It looks at the significance of the proposal’s likely environmental impacts and the measures needed to avoid, minimise and mitigate adverse impacts to the environment.

Amplitel is the proponent and NPWS is the determining authority for this activity under Part 5 (Division 5.1) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. The draft REF will help the determining authority to decide whether an activity should be approved and be used in the development of appropriate conditions should approval be given.

Next steps

At the end of the public consultation in April 2026, NPWS will review all public feedback, prepare a report on the feedback and, if necessary, ask for further information from the proponent.

NPWS will determine the review of environmental factors based on its review of the documents and the information provided in the public feedback. If the determination recommends that the activity may proceed, approval will be issued under s.153D of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.

Printed copy of the review of environmental factors

Hard copies are available for viewing at Tumut Visitors Centre, 5 Adelong road, Tumut from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.

Copies of the document can be requested from NPWS by:

• phone at 02 6450 5587
• post at –
  Attention Project Officer, Utilities
  PO Box 2228
  Jindabyne NSW 2627.

Have your say

You can give your feedback on the draft REF from 1 April 2026 to 30 April 2026.

You can submit your feedback in any of the following ways:

• Use the online feedback form below.
• Email your feedback to [email protected].
• Post your feedback to –
  Project Officer, Utilities
  National Parks and Wildlife Service 
  PO Box 2228 
  Jindabyne NSW 2627

Your feedback will be used to assess the likelihood of the proposed activity causing a significant impact on the environment.

Our response to your feedback will be based on the merits of the ideas and issues you raise rather than how many submissions make similar points. Feedback is most effective when we understand your ideas and the outcomes you want for park management.

Some suggestions to help you write your feedback are:

• write clearly and be specific about the issues that concern you
• note which part or section of the document your comments relate to
• give reasoning that supports your points – this makes it easier for us to understand and consider your ideas
• tell us exactly what you agree or disagree with and explain why
• if you can, suggest solutions or other ways to manage the issue.