Review of environmental factors for proposed new radio facility at Green Cape: public consultation

Public exhibition of the review of environmental factors provides an important opportunity for members of the community to have a say in relation to this activity proposed by the NSW Telco Authority.

The NSW Telco Authority has submitted a review of environmental factors for a proposed new radio facility at Green Cape in Beowa National Park (formerly Ben Boyd National Park). This proposal is for a greenfield site in a pre-disturbed area, but with new infrastructure being proposed.

The facility will involve the installation of a 40 m monopole with dipole array (45.7 m total height), equipment shelter with diesel generator and 1,000 L fuel tank, 36-panel solar array, chain-link security fence, and a temporary works area to the south-east of the proposed compound.

This installation is part of the Public Safety Network that is being enhanced by NSW Telco Authority via the Critical Communications Enhancement Program. This program will expand the Public Safety Network’s land coverage from less than 35% to 85% of New South Wales to achieve 98% population coverage.

The expansion aims to ensure that emergency service organisations have an enhanced and more reliable network. It is likely that NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will migrate to the enhanced Public Safety Network and utilise the facility in the management of their parks and reserves.

What is a review of environmental factors?

A review of environmental factors (REF) is used to document the environmental impact assessment of proposed activities on lands managed by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. It examines the significance of likely environmental impacts of the proposal, and the measures required to avoid, minimise and mitigate adverse impacts to the environment.

NSW Telco Authority is the proponent and the 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 assists 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 5 pm Thursday 6 June 2024, and anyone can review it and provide comments.

What happens next?

At the end of the public exhibition period in June 2024, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will review all submissions, prepare a submissions report and, if necessary, request further information from the proponent (NSW Telco Authority).

The National Parks and Wildlife Service will determine the review of environmental factors based on its review of the documents and information provided in submissions. If the determination recommends that the activity may proceed, approval will be issued under s153D 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 NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Senior Project Officer, Utilities, on 0400 112 608.

For further information on the Critical Communications Enhancement Program, visit NSW Telco’s webpage or call 1800 794 862.

Where can I see a printed copy of the review of environmental factors?

Hard copies are available for viewing Monday to Friday between 10 am and 3 pm at:

• Merimbula National Parks and Wildlife Service Office, 47 Merimbula Drive, Merimbula NSW 2548

Copies of the document can be requested from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service by phone 0400 112 608 or post: PO Box 2228, Jindabyne, NSW 2627 (Attention: Senior Project Officer, Utilities).

How can I comment on the review of environmental factors?

Public exhibition of the review of environmental factors is open until 5 pm Thursday 6 June 2024. You are invited to comment on the review before this date.

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:

• Write clearly and be specific about the issues of concern to you.
• Note which part or section of the review or attachments your comments relate to.
• Give reasoning in support of your points, to make 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. The NSW 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. For details see our privacy page. 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. 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.