Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this telecommunications installation necessary?

Telstra state that the proposed tower is required to improve wireless network coverage in some areas of Bicton/Attadale. They state that some areas within Bicton and Attadale currently suffer from little or no signal level on handset devices.

Why site the tower within the Point Walter Reserve?

Telstra cite coverage advantages through height, and less exposure to emissions, as prime reasons for the selection of the site at Point Walter for this installation. They also state that the tower at Point Walter would result in there being less need for other providers to take up residential and business space for additional towers elsewhere.

Why does the tower need to be 46m high?

Telstra state that a 46m high tower is required for the following reasons:

• It will enable a flush mount arrangement of the proposed antennas on the monopole, and remove the need for a headframe which in itself can be of visual detriment;
• At 46m, the installation will be clear of any adjoining obstruction, particularly from the mature trees that flank the site.
• At that height signal strength penetration will be maximised; and
• It will overcome metallic roof structures installed on many residences in the area.

What colour will the tower be?

The tower will be a steel or concrete colour depending on the supplier. The equipment shelter colour is stated on the proposed plans as being “pale eucalypt” coloured metal cladding.

What policies will be used to assess the proposal?

• Western Australian Planning Commission (WAPC) Statement of Planning Policy Relating to Telecommunication Infrastructure and Guidelines for the Location, Siting and Design of Telecommunication Infrastrcuture. Available at: www.planning.wa.gov.au.  
  
• Western Australian Planning Commission - Planning Bulletin 46 Applications for Telecommunications Infrastructure: Available at: www.planning.wa.gov.au. 
• Council Policy 28 - 003 Development of Telecommunication Towers and Associated Infrastructure was last considered by Council in 2003 and remains an adopted policy of Council. Click here to view the policy.

Policies must be taken into account when considering the impacts of the proposal. They will inform our recommendation, and ultimately the decision reached by the WAPC.

How will the proposal be assessed?

The City of Melville will consider the impact that the proposed installation will have on the landscape character of the area, taking into account the fact that the site is located within a Class A Reserve. The City will also consider the impact that the proposed installation will have on the visual amenity associated with the area, and the extent to which that may be compromised should the development proceed. In addition, the City will also consider the impact that the proposal will have from an ecological perspective, taking into account the need for ongoing maintenance access.

What is EME?

Telecommunications antennas emit radiofrequency electromagnetic energy (EME) as ‘radio waves’. Information in respect of this can be found via a number of sources such as Telstra’s own website at www.telstra.com/eme. Other sources include WHO - www.who.int/peh-emf/en/, ARPANSA - www.arpansa.gov.au and EMF Explained - www.emfexplained.info.

What supervisory body will monitor electro-magnetic emissions from the proposed Pt Walter phone tower?

The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) coordinates surveys of environmental radio frequency electromagnetic energy (RF EME) levels arising from mobile phone base station antennas.

There are more than 14,000 mobile phone base stations in Australia so it is not practical to measure all of them. Therefore ARPANSA monitors a handful of base stations in order to provide evidence that actual measurements are lower than the estimated values.

How can the community provide feedback regarding Telstra’s proposal?

Details of the proposal will be made available for examination at Planning Services, City of Melville, 10 Almondbury Road, Booragoon.

In addition an information session will be held at:

Venue: Point Walter Golf Course Function Room, Honour  Avenue, Bicton.

Date: Saturday 12 February 2011

Time: 10.00am to 3.00pm

Any persons wishing to comment may do so in writing to the Chief Executive Officer, City of Melville, Locked Bag 1, Booragoon WA 6954, by Monday, 28 February 2011.

Will there be a Cherry Picker on site?

Telstra have confirmed that there will be a Cherry Picker on site for at least the day of the Information Day on the 12 February 2011. The City has requested that the Cherry Picker be made available for one week, and will update this site accordingly if it is confirmed that Telstra agree to that request.

Who makes the final decision?

The Crown owns the land so the WAPC will make the final decision. The City of Melville will not get the final say, although a recommendation will be forwarded to the WAPC from the City, and this will be taken into consideration before the final decision is made.

If the WAPC refuse the application what happens?

If the application is refused the applicant can appeal to the State Administrative Tribunal.