Review of Environmental Factors (pdf 2.9MB) - Transport for NSW ...

Digital Train Radio System 

Morisset 4 Site 

Review of Environmental Factors Report 

November 2012 

Page 1 of 74

Table of Contents 

Executive Summary .................................................................................................................... 4 

1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 7 

1.1 Background to the Project ........................................................................................ 7 

1.2 Background to the Morisset 4 site ............................................................................ 8 

1.3 Location and Land Use............................................................................................. 8 

1.4 Consultation ............................................................................................................ 12 

2 Statutory Position and Requirements........................................................................... 13 

2.1 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979............................................... 13 

2.2 State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 .................................... 14 

2.3 Confirmation of Statutory Position .......................................................................... 14 

2.4 Other Relevant Environmental Planning Instruments............................................. 15 

2.5 Other NSW Legislation ........................................................................................... 16 

2.6 Commonwealth legislation...................................................................................... 18 

2.7 Ecologically Sustainable Development................................................................... 20 

2.8 Other Guidelines ..................................................................................................... 21 

2.9 Licences and Approvals.......................................................................................... 21 

3 Description of the Proposal ........................................................................................... 22 

3.1 Scope of Proposed Works ...................................................................................... 22 

3.2 Construction Methodology ...................................................................................... 24 

3.3 Timing and Costing ................................................................................................. 26 

3.4 Alternatives to the DTRS ........................................................................................ 27 

3.5 Alternatives to the Morisset 4 site........................................................................... 29 

3.6 Justification of the Preferred Option ....................................................................... 30 

4 Environmental Impact and Risks .................................................................................. 32 

4.1 Landforms, Geology and Soils................................................................................ 32 

4.2 Water Quality and Hydrology.................................................................................. 33 

4.3 Air Quality ............................................................................................................... 35 

4.4 Biodiversity.............................................................................................................. 36 

4.5 Noise and Vibration................................................................................................. 37 

4.6 Heritage .................................................................................................................. 42 

4.7 Waste...................................................................................................................... 43 

4.8 Contaminated Land................................................................................................. 44 

4.9 Hazardous Materials ............................................................................................... 46 

4.10 Visual Aesthetics and Urban Design ...................................................................... 47 

4.11 Land Use................................................................................................................. 49 

4.12 Socio-Economic Effects.......................................................................................... 49 


4.13 Electromagnetic Energy (EME) .............................................................................. 50 

4.14 Traffic and Access .................................................................................................. 51 

4.15 Utilities and Services............................................................................................... 52 

4.16 Light Spill ................................................................................................................ 52 

4.17 Demand on Resources ........................................................................................... 52 

4.18 Cumulative Environmental Effects.......................................................................... 53 

4.19 Consideration of Clause 228 of EP&A Regulations and EPBC Act ....................... 54 

4.20 Summary of Control Measures ............................................................................... 57 

4.21 Implementation Process ......................................................................................... 62 

5 References....................................................................................................................... 63 

Appendix 1: Principles from the Telecommunications Facilities Guidelines ..................... 64 

Appendix 2: Design Plans ........................................................................................................ 71 

Appendix 3: Database Searches.............................................................................................. 72 

Appendix 4: Electro- Magnetic Energy (EME) Reports.......................................................... 73 

Appendix 5: Site 268 Morisset 4 Geotechnical Advice.......................................................... 74 


Executive Summary 

Need for the Proposal 

RailCorp currently operates an analogue train radio system known as MetroNet for operational 

communications between signallers and train drivers. This system has reached the end of its 

serviceable life and requires replacement. The New South Wales Government and RailCorp 

have begun work on the implementation of a Digital Train Radio System (DTRS) which will 

replace this analogue system and address a number of recommendations from the Waterfall 

Special Commission of Inquiry (WSCOI). The DTRS will be a secure digital train radio system 

designed to provide reliable voice and data communications on a Global Systems Mobile – 

Railway (GSM-R) platform. 

The DTRS will provide 100% radio coverage for approximately 1455 kilometres of RailCorp’s 

electrified network as well as more than 60 tunnels covering approximately 70 kilometres and 

has an expected design life of at least 15 years. UGL Infrastructure has been contracted to 

design, construct, commission and maintain the DTRS. 

Proposal Description 

The Morisset 4 distributed base station (DBS) will be installed in a cleared, gravelled area about 

12 metres west of the Newcastle and Central Coast Line. Morisset railway station is 

approximately 3.3 kilometres north-east of the proposed site. 

The proposed work will involve the elements listed below. 

• A new 20 metre tall steel monopole with a bored pile foundation. The pole will have a 1500 

millimetre lightning rod installed at the top and be hinged about 1200-1400 millimetres from 

the base to assist in erection but, once established, the hinge will be bolted in order to fix 

the monopole in place. 

• Two Argus panel antennas mounted onto the monopole while the pole is on the ground. 

Once erect the antennas will be situated a height of 19 metres. 

• Two remote radio units mounted on the monopole will be situated at a height of 

approximately 17 metres. 

• DBS cabinet on a slab two metres from the monopole; 

• Conduit feeder cables to connect to the existing power and fibre supply, installed at a depth 

of at least 600 millimetres. 

• The proposed supply to the Morisset 4 power cabinet is via a new single backup supply 

meter from which an isolated single phase supply can be taken for the DTRS power 

supply, located approximately 450 metres away. 


• Other associated and necessary activities to ensure the proper functioning of the radio 

communications facility including earthing, safe access, signage and bollards for vehicle 

protection. 

Approval Process 

The proposal is being assessed under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment 

Act 1979 (EP&A Act) which requires RailCorp to consider the environmental impacts of the 

proposal. 

This Review of Environmental Factors Report (REF) has been prepared to address the 

requirements of the EP&A Act. It assesses the potential environmental impacts of the proposal 

within the context of Clause 228 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 

2000 and the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act). The requirements of the 

Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) are 

also considered. 

Environmental Impact Assessment 

The benefits of the proposal cannot be achieved without some degree of environmental impact. 

The impacts resulting from construction and operation of the facility have been assessed in this 

REF. This REF concludes that, subject to the implementation of mitigation measures, potential 

environmental impacts can be controlled and reduced to acceptable levels and, therefore, work 

will not compromise the health, diversity and productivity of the environment for the benefit of 

future generations. 

The main environmental issues relate to construction impacts such as erosion and 

sedimentation risks as well as short-term traffic, air quality and noise issues for nearby 

receivers. Such impacts will be managed through the implementation of a Construction 

Environmental Management Plan (CEMP). 

In the long term, a new monopole will be introduced into the visual landscape. The monopole 

and its antennas will not be bulky and will be completely screened by vegetation along the rail 

corridor. 

Electromagnetic energy (EME) impacts have also been considered and the EME levels for the 

proposal will be well within the limits set by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear 

Safety Agency (ARPANSA). 


Environmental Management 

A CEMP will be prepared for the site, following the REF determination. The plan will further 

detail REF mitigation measures and will be prepared in accordance with the following: 

• Guideline for the Preparation of Environmental Management Plans (Department of 

Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, 2004); and 

• The Environmental Management Plan for DTRS (UGL Infrastructure, 2010). 

The following sub-plans are proposed in the REF and will be prepared concurrently with CEMP: 

• Erosion and Sediment Control Plan; 

• Water Management Plan; 

• Waste Management Plan; and 

• Traffic Management Plan. 

The CEMP, including all sub-plans, will be reviewed and approved by RailCorp before 

construction begins. 


1 Introduction 

1.1 Background to the Project 

RailCorp currently operates an analogue train radio system known as MetroNet for operational 

communications between signallers and train drivers. This system has reached the end of its 

serviceable life and requires replacement. The New South Wales Government and RailCorp 

have begun work on the implementation of a Digital Train Radio System (DTRS) which will 

replace this analogue system and address a number of recommendations from the Waterfall 

Special Commission of Inquiry (WSCOI). 

The primary objectives of the DTRS project are to: 

• Provide continuous radio coverage across 100% radio of RailCorp’s electrified network; 

• Replace and improve on the current RailCorp MetroNet communications system; 

• Provide a technology platform for future development of the Automatic Train Protection 

system (ATP); and 

• Adopt best management and administrative practices while complying with the principles of 

ecologically sustainable development. 

The DTRS will provide secure and reliable voice and data communications via a Global 

Systems Mobile – Railway (GSM-R) platform. It will be used by train controllers, train drivers, 

train guards and signallers. The system is designed to allow for growth in both the size of the 

network and the number of services using it. It will be compatible with communications systems 

used by other users of the network, e.g. freight operators. 

The DTRS will provide 100% radio coverage along approximately 1455 kilometres of the 

RailCorp electrified network as well as in 66 tunnels covering approximately 70 kilometres and 

has an expected design life of at least 15 years. 

The DTRS will include: 

• A main switching centre at a CBD location; 

• A geographically separated back-up switching centre at Homebush; 

• On-train equipment in approximately 675 train cabs; 

• About 250 digital base stations (DBS) as well as other base stations in tunnels; 

• Approximately 65 dispatcher terminal units; and 

• Capability to provide staff with handheld terminals. 

The DTRS will provide continuous coverage along the entire RailCorp electrified network for ontrain 

radios and permit at least 14 simultaneous voice calls from each base station. 


DTRS systems are now widely used as a standard by major rail operators in Europe and Asia. 

In Australia, GSM-R is being installed on the Melbourne train network by the Victorian 

Government. 

1.2 Background to the Morisset 4 site 

The proposed distributed base station (DBS) at Morisset 4 is part of the DTRS that is being 

developed along RailCorp’s electrified lines. The proposal at Morisset 4 is for a new DBS, which 

will provide coverage along a 4.1 kilometre section of track between Wyee and Morisset 2 on 

the Newcastle and Central Coast Line. 

The Morisset 4 DBS is one of about 250 radio facilities which will provide an enhanced, efficient 

and reliable communication system for RailCorp’s electrified railway network. 

1.3 Location and Land Use 

Site Name Morisset 4 

Street Address In the rail corridor, off Wyee Road, Morisset NSW 2264 

Property Description 

Railway Line 

Chainage 

Newcastle and Central Coast Line 

Newcastle and Central Coast Line 

N119+877 

Site Co-ordinates Latitude: -33.13641 

Longitude: 151.47876 

Reference system: GDA94 

Local Government Area 

NSW State Electorate 

Catchment 

Nearest Railway Station 

Lake Macquarie 



Morisset 

The proposed DBS site is on the western side of the rail corridor about 3.3 kilometres southwest 

of Morisset railway station (refer Figure 1 and Figure 2). The site is on level ground in a 

cleared, gravelly area, about 12 metres west of the railway line. The site is adjacent to a power 

pole in the rail corridor. 

The site is within the Lake Macquarie Government Area (LGA) and the proposed work will be 

undertaken on land in Zone 5 – Infrastructure. 


Land around the site is used for the purposes listed below. 

• To the north and south are dense bushland and the continuation of the railway line and 

corridor. 

• To the east is dense bushland and unsealed roads. 

• To the west is dense bushland, Wyee Road, and the F3 Freeway. 

• There are no child care centres, aged care facilities, churches or schools within 500 metres 

of the proposed site. 

There is adequate vehicle access to the site through the existing railway gates off an unsealed 

road accessible from Wyee Road, approximately 60 metres to the south. The access track is 

suitable for construction vehicle access. 

The climate in the area is similar to other parts of the Central Coast. The Norah Head weather 

station is the closest station and indicates that weather in the area is strongly influenced by the 

coast to the east. The site has an elevation of approximately 35 metres. The area experiences 

extremes of climate, having a peak monthly precipitation of 163 millimetres in May and the least 

rainfall in October with an average rainfall of 56.4 millimetres. The majority of the annual rainfall 

occurs in the autumn months. Like much of south-eastern Australia, precipitation and 

temperature in these areas is highly variable between years and between locations. The area 

experiences average daily temperatures from 9.7 to 25.8 degrees. 

The site is in a gravelled area. The vegetation community within the rail corridor and on the 

edges of the road reserves is dominated by shrubs and trees. According to the RailCorp 

Biodiversity Map Wyong to Morisset the site is in an area of remnant vegetation and scattered 

weeds. The closest water body is a creek approximately 103 metres west of the site, which is a 

tributary of Lake Macquarie. The site is within the Lake Macquarie catchment. 

There are no heritage items proximal to the proposed site. 


Figure 1 

Proposed site and surrounds 

© 2012 Google – Image © 2012 Sinclair Knight Merz © 2012 Whereis® Sensis Pty Ltd 


Figure 2 

Site location map 

Map section reproduced with permission of UBD. 

Copyright Universal Publishers Pty Ltd DD 06/11 


1.4 Consultation 

The consultation activities for the proposed work are outlined below. These measures will help 

ensure stakeholders are informed of the proposal and that RailCorp meets its obligations under 

the State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 (ISEPP). Consultation activities 

and work practices will be undertaken in accordance with community relation protocols and 

requirements as per RailCorp’s Communications Management Plan. 

Three main consultation activities will take place. 

1) Communication with local councils and regulatory authorities 

Consultation with the local council and other regulatory authorities is required by the SEPP 

(Infrastructure) 2007. This will include notification of and liaison with Lake Macquarie City 

Council/other government agencies/utilities is required with regards to temporary impacts that 

the work may have on the nearby community (traffic, parks, stormwater etc). 

2) Communication with residents and businesses within a 500 metre radius of works and 

at nearby train station 

Community relations for the Morisset 4 DBS proposal will not be necessary as there are no 

residential or commercial receivers within 500 metres of the proposed site. 

3) Notification and community relations during construction and commissioning works 

with Council, nearby community and commuters at Morisset Station. 

Additional information about the upcoming work will be provided to the nearby community and 

Lake Macquarie City Council at least five days before work begins. This information will include 

specific detail regarding activities, works hours, traffic control measures and 

compound/assembly location. 

DTRS fact sheets will be available at Morisset Station. 

4) Summary 

Feedback received during pre-construction consultation will be compiled into a summary report 

and taken into consideration. It will then be used, along with the REF, to determine whether the 

development should proceed and what, if any, changes need to be made. 


2 Statutory Position and Requirements 

The description of the proposed works and the associated environmental impacts has been 

undertaken in the context of Clause 228 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment 

Regulation 2000, the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act), and the 

(Commonwealth) Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). 

In doing so, this REF helps fulfil the requirements of Section 111 of the Environmental Planning 

and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act), that RailCorp must examine and take into account, to 

the fullest extent possible, all matters affecting or likely to affect the environment by reason of 

the activity. The legislative framework relevant to the proposed works and associated approvals 

is set out in the following sections. 

2.1 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 

The proposal comprises an ‘activity’ for the purposes of Part 5 of the Environmental Planning 

and Assessment Act 1979 (the EP&A Act). As the determining authority for the purposes of Part 

5 of the EP&A Act, RailCorp must examine and take into account to the fullest extent possible 

all matters affecting or likely to affect the environment by reason of that activity, in accordance 

with section 111 of the EP&A Act. 

To document RailCorp’s considerations under Part 5 of the EP&A Act, RailCorp is required to 

prepare a Review of Environmental Factors Report (REF), which includes mitigation measures 

to manage and minimise impacts on the environment. The REF document will be exhibited and 

made publicly available. During the exhibition period, the community are encouraged to make 

submissions to RailCorp on the proposal and any potential environmental impacts. 

Prior to determining whether or not to proceed with the project, RailCorp will consider issues 

raised in submissions and respond to community feedback. RailCorp may propose changes to 

the proposal and detail these in the determination report. These reports would be made 

available to the public on the RailCorp website (www.railcorp.info). 

Should RailCorp determine to proceed, the proposal would be constructed and operated in 

accordance with the mitigation measures proposed in the REF, determination report and any 

conditions of approval. 


2.2 State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 

The State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 (ISEPP) provides a consistent 

planning regime for infrastructure and the provision of services across NSW, along with 

providing for consultation with relevant public authorities during the assessment process. 

The ISEPP provides for the development of certain activities for a range of infrastructure types. 

The ISEPP indicates whether an activity is permissible with or without consent, and on what 

land the activity is permissible. 

Section 76 of the EP&A Act states that “if an environmental planning instrument provides that 

specified development may be carried out without the need for development consent, a person 

may carry the development out, in accordance with the instrument, on land to which the 

provision applies.” However environmental assessment of the development may nevertheless 

be required under Part 5 of the EP&A Act. 

2.3 Confirmation of Statutory Position 

Clause 79(1) of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 (ISEPP) provides: 

“Development for the purpose of a railway or rail infrastructure facilities may be 

carried out by or on behalf of a public authority without consent on any land.” 

The proposal is for the installation of a new base transceiver station (new monopole, antennas 

and power and DBS cabinets), which is consistent with the definition of a rail infrastructure 

facility under Clause 78, which includes “signalling, train control, communication and security 

systems”. 

In addition Clause 114(1) provides: 

“Development for the purposes of telecommunications facilities (including radio 

facilities) may be carried out by a public authority without consent on any land.” 

The proposal also meets the definition of a telecommunication facility under Clause 113 of the 

ISEPP. RailCorp is a state-owned operating entity in the transport portfolio. It is classified as a 

public authority under Section 4 of the EP&A Act. 

Accordingly, this proposal (construction of a new DBS at Morisset 4) is being assessed under 

Part 5 of the EP&A Act. RailCorp is the proponent and determining authority as per the 

provisions of Section 110 of the EP&A Act. 


2.4 Other Relevant Environmental Planning Instruments 

State Environmental Planning Policy No. 14 Coastal Wetlands 

The proposed site is outside the coastal wetland protection areas designated in the Coastal 

Wetlands SEPP, so no further consideration of this SEPP is required. 

State Environmental Planning Policy No. 19 Bushland in Urban Areas 

This SEPP protects and preserves bushland within certain urban areas, as part of the natural 

heritage or for recreational, educational and scientific purposes. Lake Macquarie LGA is listed in 

Schedule 1 as an area where bushland needs to be preserved. However, the proposed work 

will not require the removal of large amounts of vegetation, so no further consideration of this 

SEPP is required. 

State Environmental Planning Policy No. 26 Littoral Rainforests 

The proposed site is outside the littoral protection areas designated in the Littoral Rainforests 

SEPP, so no further consideration of this SEPP is required. 

State Environmental Planning Policy No. 44 – Koala Habitat Protection 

The proposed site is in an area nominated or classified by this SEPP as habitat for koalas, and 

is, therefore, subject to the provisions of SEPP 44. However, the proposal will not require the 

removal of vegetation that may provide koala habitat so no further consideration of this SEPP is 

required. 

State Environmental Planning Policy No. 55 – Remediation of Land 

SEPP 55 provides for a consistent state-wide planning approach to the remediation of 

contaminated land. The policy states that land must not be developed if it is unsuitable for a 

proposed use because it is contaminated. If the land is unsuitable, remediation must take place 

before the land is developed. The presence of contamination will be determined during 

excavation works and a suitable remediation plan will be developed, if required. 

State Environmental Planning Policy No. 71 – Coastal Protection 

The proposed site is outside the coastal protection zone designated in the Coastal Protection 

SEPP, so no further consideration of this SEPP is required. 

State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Development) 2005 

This SEPP identifies certain developments which are deemed major projects. As this proposal 

comprises an ‘activity’ for the purposes of Part 5 of the EP&A Act this SEPP does not apply to 

the proposal. 

State Environmental Planning Policy (Sydney Drinking Water Catchment) 2011 

The site is in the Lake Macquarie catchment and is not part of a drinking water catchment. This 

SEPP does not apply to the proposal. 


The Lake Macquarie City Council Local Environmental Plan 2004 

The proposed site is in the Lake Macquarie LGA and is subject to the Lake Macquarie Local 

Environmental Plan 2004 (Lake Macquarie LEP). The proposed works will be undertaken in the 

rail corridor, which is in Zone 5 – Infrastructure. 

Development for the purposes of utility installations is permissible in Zone 5 with consent, under 

Clause 15 of the Lake Macquarie LEP. 

The State Environmental Planning Policy Infrastructure 2007 (ISEPP) also allows for the 

proposal to proceed without development consent (refer Section 2.2 for more detail). 

2.5 Other NSW Legislation 

Crown Lands Act 1989 

The proposed work will not be undertaken on crown land and the provisions of this act are not 

applicable to the proposal. 

Electricity Supply Act 1995 

The Electricity Supply Act 1995 and Electricity Supply (General) Regulation 2001 set out certain 

notification and procedural requirements in relation to excavation. 

Section 63Z provides: 

(1) A person must not commence to carry out excavation work to which this section 

applies, or authorise such excavation work to be commenced, unless the person has 

first: 

(a) Contacted the designated information provider and requested information as to the 

location and type of any underground electricity power lines in the vicinity of the 

proposed work, and 

(b) Complied with any reasonable procedures of the designated information provider as 

to the manner of contacting the designated information provider and the information to 

be provided by the person in connection with the person’s request for information, and 

(c) Allowed a reasonable period for the requested information to be provided. 

Clause 104B of the Electricity Supply (General) Regulation 2001 provides: 

(1) Work of the following kind that is carried out within the distribution district of a 

distribution network service provider is excavation work to which section 63Z of the Act 

applies… 

(b) Excavation that is, or is carried out in connection with, an activity within the meaning 

of Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. 

Consultation with the relevant service provider will occur in accordance with these provisions. 


Heritage Act 1977 

Section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977 lists the types of activities/works that require approval 

from the Heritage Office when working on/in an item/place listed on the State Heritage Register. 

An application for an exemption can also be made under some circumstances. 

The proposed work is to be undertaken in an area where no state heritage items are located 

and approval under the Heritage Act is not required. More information about heritage is included 

in Section 4.6. 

National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 

The excavating, moving or exhibiting of Aboriginal objects requires a permit under Section 87 of 

the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act). The harming or desecrating of Aboriginal 

objects or places is an offence under Section 86 of the NPW Act. Under Section 90, an 

Aboriginal heritage impact permit may be issued in relation to a specified Aboriginal object, 

Aboriginal place, land, activity or person or specified types or classes of Aboriginal objects, 

Aboriginal places, land, activities or people. 

There are no Aboriginal objects or places known to occur in the immediate vicinity of the site 

and no known items or places will be affected by the proposed work. Further, the likelihood of 

uncovering Aboriginal heritage items is considered low (refer Section 4.6). Safeguards have 

been proposed to address circumstances if an unexpected find occurs. 

All native birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals, except the dingo, are protected in NSW 

under the NPW Act. The harming of protected fauna is prohibited under the NPW Act, but an 

exemption applies in relation to things that are essential to the carrying out of an activity to 

which Part 5 of the EP&A Act applies and where the determining authority has complied with 

the provisions of that part. Potential impacts to fauna are considered in Section 4.4. 

Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 

In accordance with Section 55 of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO 

Act), RailCorp holds an Environment Protection Licence (EPL), number 12208. The EPL applies 

to the NSW Rail Network as defined in the Transport Administration Act 1988 for the purposes 

of ‘railway systems’, which is a scheduled activity under the POEO Act. 

Under the provisions of the licence, RailCorp is required to seek a modification to the licence for 

certain ‘scheduled’ activities. However, the proposed works are not listed as a scheduled 

activity under the POEO Act, and hence RailCorp is not required to seek a modification to its 

licence under the POEO Act. Also, the works associated with the proposal will be confined to 

land on which is currently used by the railway. The proposed works would comply with the 

requirements of the EPL 12208, in addition to the general obligations set out in the POEO Act, 

and would not require a variation. 


Roads Act 1993 

Under Section 138 of the Roads Act 1993, a person must not “erect a structure or carry out a 

work in, on or over a public road, or dig up or disturb the surface of a public road...” other than 

with the consent of the appropriate roads authority. 

An unsealed road accessed via Wyee Road will be used to access the proposed site and is not 

a classified road under the meaning of the Roads Act. Further, no structures or works will be 

erected or undertaken on the unsealed road. Approval from the Roads and Maritime Services 

will not be required. 

Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 

The Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) is directed at conserving threatened 

species, populations and ecological communities of animals and plants. Threatened species, 

populations, endangered ecological communities are not likely to occur at the site and further 

consideration under the act is not required. 

Native Vegetation Act 2003 

The Act provides for sustainable management and conservation of native vegetation. The 

legislation creates a structure which permits the clearing of native vegetation only in accordance 

with a property management plan, subject to certain limitations. 

RailCorp’s guideline for the vegetation management in rail corridors provides a framework for 

compliance with this Act. 

The proposed works do not include vegetation clearing and therefore provisions of the Act do 

not apply. 

2.6 Commonwealth legislation 

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 

The primary legislation at the Commonwealth level is the Environment Protection and 

Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Part 3 of the EPBC Act requires approval from 

the Commonwealth Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and 

Communities if a development is likely to have, or will have, a significant effect on a matter of 

National Environmental Significance (NES). 

For the purposes of the EPBC Act, matters of NES are defined as: 

• World heritage properties; 

• National heritage places; 

• Ramsar wetlands; 

• Nationally threatened species and ecological communities; 

• Migratory species; 


• Commonwealth marine areas; and 

• Nuclear actions. 

The proposed work will not affect any matters of national environmental significance. 

Commonwealth land will not be affected, either directly or indirectly, as a result of this proposal. 

A summary of EPBC factors is included in Table 4. 

Commonwealth Telecommunications Act 

To operate the DTRS, RailCorp will have a Telecommunication Licence and so will have certain 

rights under the relevant Commonwealth Legislation. In particular, RailCorp will be able to install 

low impact facilities without reference to local or state approvals processes. 

However, the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 1997 defines a low 

impact facility as: 

Panel, Yagi or other like antenna: 

(a) 

Not more than 2.8 metres long; and 

(b) If the antenna is attached to a structure — protruding from the structure by not more than 

three metres 

Since this DTRS site includes the installation of a pole greater than three metres, it is not a low 

impact facility and so will be assessed under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning and 

Assessment Act 1979. 


2.7 Ecologically Sustainable Development 

Ecologically sustainable development (ESD) entails using, conserving and enhancing the 

community’s environmental resources in a manner that sustains and improves ecological 

processes and, hence, the quality of life for present and future generations. The basis for 

achieving ecologically sustainable development involves the application of four principles: 

• The precautionary principle; 

• Intra- and inter-generational equity; 

• Conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity; and 

• Improved valuation and pricing of environmental resources. 

RailCorp is committed to ensuring its projects are consistent with the principles of ESD and 

these have been considered for this proposal (refer Table 1). 

Table 1 

Consideration of ESD for the proposal 

ESD Principle 

Application to the proposal 

Precautionary principle 

Intergenerational equity 

Conservation of 

biological diversity and 

ecological integrity 

Improved valuation and 

pricing of environmental 

resources 

The site selection and design process aims to avoid areas where 

there will be a significant environmental impact or impacts that are 

irreversible. The site selected is within a previously disturbed area 

in the rail corridor. In addition, some of the potential impacts are 

reversible as the monopole and cabinets can be removed if no 

longer required. 

Any adverse impacts associated with the site and construction will 

be minor and measures to reduce impacts identified within this 

REF will be implemented during construction, as far as practicable. 

This proposal and the overarching DTRS project will contribute 

towards RailCorp’s strategic benefits for current and future 

generations, including safer public transport, by improving on the 

current communications system, providing coverage and reliable 

communications services to all parts of the electrified rail corridor 

and acting as the basis for the introduction of an Automatic Train 

Protection System. 

The economic, social and safety considerations of the DTRS have 

been integrated with the consideration and assessment of 

potential environmental impacts regarding the development and 

operation of the DTRS. 

The proposed site is on disturbed land that has been previously 

cleared. Major clearing or other disturbance to the biodiversity or 

ecological significance of the area is not required. The proposed 

activity is not expected to result in any loss of biodiversity or 

ecological integrity. 

RailCorp recognises the value of environmental sustainability and 

will minimise the impact of its activities by ensuring appropriate 

mitigation measures are implemented for all aspects of the DTRS 


ESD Principle 

Application to the proposal 

project. The potential environmental costs of the proposal have 

been considered in conjunction with the costs of design, 

construction and operation. 

2.8 Other Guidelines 

Consideration of the NSW Telecommunication Facilities Guideline including Broadband NSW 

(DoP 2010) is a requirement when Clause 114 or Clause 115 (development of a 

telecommunications facility) of the ISEPP is applied. The requirements of the guidelines have 

been considered and are included in Appendix 1. 

2.9 Licences and Approvals 

Responsible Authority 

Approval/Licence/Permit 

RailCorp 

Determination under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning 

and Assessment Act 1979 

RailCorp EPL 12208 


3 Description of the Proposal 

3.1 Scope of Proposed Works 

3.1.1 Summary 

The outdoor DBS site at Morisset 4 will consist of the following components: 

• A 20 metre high monopole with a 1500 millimetre high lightning rod at the top; 

• Two Argus panel antennas mounted on the monopole; 

• Two Huawei remote radio units mounted on the 20 metre high monopole; 

• DBS cabinet on a slab two metres from the monopole; 

• The proposed supply to the Morisset 4 power cabinet is via a new single backup supply 

meter from which an isolated single phase supply can be taken for the DTRS power supply, 

located approximately 450 metres away; and 

• Fibre optic cable connection into the new RailCorp pit at N119+862 approximately 20 

metres away via an under line crossing (ULX). 

These components are described in the sections below. Plan drawings are provided in 

Appendix 2. All aspects of the proposal will be earthed in line with all relevant standards. 

3.1.2 DBS Site 

DBS Cabinet 

The DBS cabinet will be placed on a concrete slab and will be oriented to the west. The cabinet 

will be painted stainless steel, approximately 1700 millimetres high by 1000 millimetres long by 

880 millimetres wide, and will be placed on a steel plinth with a minimum height of 200 

millimetres to allow for the management of cables entering the cabinet. The cabinet will be 

powered via the power equipment described below. 

The DBS cabinet will include the following equipment: 

• DBS equipment (transceiver modules, transmission equipment, controller etc); 

• DC distribution (including electromagnetic interference filter and surge protection); 

• Transmission interface (Huawei PTN910); 

• Fibre optic distribution frame; 

• 6 Ethernet Ports for RailCorp’s use; 

• Monitoring and reporting capability of power cabinet conditions; and 

• Field monitoring device for radio frequency coverage. This requires a 12V DC input so is 

installed with a 48V to 12V DC power converter. 


The cabinet will also house the power equipment including: 

• AC and earth terminations; 

• Transfer switch (mains and generator positions); 

• Surge protection; 

• General purpose outlet; 

• Low voltage disconnect; 

• Rectifier modules; 

• Controller/supervisory module; 

• DC distribution rack; 

• Batteries (with the capability of providing a minimum of four hours’ back-up). 

• Optical distribution frame (ODF); 

• RF field monitoring device(s) / GSM modem(s); and 

• Socket inlet for external generator input is provided in case 

Monopole 

A 20 metre monopole will be erected approximately two metres to the north of the DBS cabinet 

in the rail corridor approximately 12 metres from the western side of the track. Two Argus 

antennas will be mounted 19 metres above the ground with azimuths of 25° and 155°. The 

antennas will be installed to have a zero degree tilt, but will be able to be remotely adjusted to 

different degrees of tilt, without the need to climb the monopole for such adjustments. Two 

Huawei DBS remote radio units will be mounted on the monopole two metres below the 

antennas. 

3.1.3 Power Supply 

The proposed supply to the Morisset 4 power cabinet is via a new single backup supply meter 

from which an isolated single phase supply can be taken for the DTRS power supply, located 

approximately 450 metres away at chainage N119+887 on the same side of the railway line. 

3.1.4 Fibre Optics 

A new fibre optic route will involve the installation of two new 12 core single-mode optical fibre 

(SMOF) cables between the DBS cabinet and through a new trench to a new pit N119+862 on 

the western side of the track, an approximate trenching distance of 20 metres. The fibres will 

then lead to a new pit on the eastern side of the track via a ULX using a new Under Bore 

installation, with a trenching distance of approximately 20 metres. The DTRS fibres will be 

installed in a new galvanized steel trough (GST) and trench to another new pit and joint which is 

the to be spliced with the RailCorp Bearer Network, which will require an additional 50 metres of 

trenching. 


3.1.5 Earthing 

The earthing installation will comprise six earth stakes at a pre-determined distance apart. The 

grid will be nominally 4.0 metres x 2.0 metres, placing the 6 earth stakes two metres apart. 

Once these earth stakes have been installed, the system will be tested and modified if needed. 

The initial extent of the trenching for earthing grid will be around 20 metres. However, it can be 

extended if the results show that the earthing arrangement is insufficient. 

3.2 Construction Methodology 

Construction on the DBS facility will require the use of approximately 260 square metres of land 

within the western side of the rail corridor. This area will allow for the erection of the monopole 

and the slab containing the DBS and power cabinets. 

The area of ground disturbance at the DBS site is likely to be in the vicinity of five square 

metres. The monopole foundation will require an excavation approximately five metres deep 

with a diameter of one metre. This will result in approximately five cubic metres of excavated 

material which may include rock. 

Trenching will require the excavation of approximately 40 cubic metres. The excavated material 

will be stockpiled and reused for backfilling. 

Installation of the power and fibre optic cables will require excavation of trenches approximately 

1000 millimetres maximum depth. 

The indicative construction methodology of the facility will include elements outlined below. 

• Non-destructive excavation before construction to establish underground installations. 

• Site establishment. 

• Excavation of the foundation for the monopole using excavator, drills or auger. 

• Delivery and pouring of concrete on site for the monopole foundation. 

• Installation of concrete slab brought to site for DBS and power cabinets. 

• Excavation of trenches for power and fibre optic cables. 

• Installation of conduit within trenches, followed by installation of cables within conduits. 

• Backfilling of trenches. 

• Transport and installation of monopole sections using trucks and riggers. 

• Assembly of monopole and attachment of antenna mounts and cables before erection of 

the pole using the built in hinge joint. 

• Connection of power and fibre optic cables to the transformer and communications pit, 

respectively. 


• Installation of earth grid using drills, shovels or excavator and connection of the radio facility 

to the electrical supply and optical fibre communications cable. 

• Installation and commissioning of radio equipment, batteries, antennas, cables and other 

equipment. 

Materials used for construction and installation include concrete, gravel, steel plinth, steel 

mounts, antennas, batteries, cables and radio equipment. It is not envisaged that any chemicals 

or hazardous materials will be used during construction. 

The majority of material brought to the site will remain there once installed. Any excess material 

will be removed and disposed of, reused or recycled. Any excess concrete will be removed. All 

excavated material not required for backfilling will be stockpiled, removed from site and 

disposed of at a licensed facility or used elsewhere on the site. 

The following equipment will potentially be used during construction. 

• Pile borer 

• Hiab truck 10T 

• Trencher (chain digger) 

• Excavators 

• Bobcat 

• Vacuum excavator (Sucker Truck) 

• Wacker packer 

• Earth rod drill 

• Concrete delivery truck 

• Delivery truck VLC (semi-trailer) 

• 1.5 tonne come-a-long 

• 17 metre sling 

• Assorted slings and shackles 

• Assorted large spanners and hand tools 

• Hydraulic pack and ram 

• Portable generator (with RCD) 

• Cable stripping tools 

• Hydraulic hole punch (sized to suit cable gland) 

• Crimpers ratchet type 


• Battery drill 

• Multimeter 

• Electrical hand tools 

• Hand digging tools (shovels etc) 

The skip bin and site compound area will be within the rail corridor near the site. The 

construction process will require an average of four to six vehicle movements and a team of 

three to six people on site per day. 

3.3 Timing and Costing 

Construction is planned to begin in the first half of 2013 and construction activities will require 

four to six weeks. The bulk of work may require to be undertaken in non-consecutive work days. 

Proposed construction timing: 

Standard working hours 

Monday to Friday 7.00am to 6.00pm 

Saturday 7:00am to 4:00pm 

Evening/weekends/out of hours: 

No night work is proposed. However, some work 

may be undertaken during scheduled trackwork 

The DTRS project has an overarching value of $225 million. This includes the design, supply, 

and installation of the DTRS on RailCorp’s electrified network plus a five-year life support 

component. 


3.4 Alternatives to the DTRS 

As discussed earlier, the Waterfall Special Commission of Inquiry precipitated the 

recommendations regarding communications in NSW rail operations and within RailCorp. The 

NSW Government then committed to a state-wide strategy for all rail communications. 

RailCorp investigated a number of alternatives already used by the state government or 

available commercially, looking for a system that met its own safety and reliability requirements 

as well as the recommendations of the Waterfall inquiry. 

The government alternatives were the existing MetroNet system or the Government Radio 

Network (GRN). 

The existing MetroNet communication system was not deemed a feasible solution for the 

reasons listed below. 

• It uses outdated technology and cannot be expanded due to its limited capacity. 

• It does not have the ability to support the requirements of Automatic Train Protection. 

• It only has one main supplier and this, combined with obsolete technology, means the cost 

of using and maintaining the MetroNet system is increasing at a substantial rate. 

• It cannot facilitate a communications platform that can be used by all necessary RailCorp 

personnel. 

• It could not meet interoperability requirements. 

The Department of Commerce’s Government Radio Network (GRN) was not deemed a feasible 

solution for the reasons listed below. 

• It has to be shared with other NSW Government agencies. 

• Priority is given to emergency services which could result in a failure of 100% rail network 

coverage. 

• The network is both inside and outside the rail corridor. 

• GRN would require a substantial upgrade, including new base stations, to ensure 100% 

network coverage of the rail corridor. 

• The cost of this upgrade is comparable to the development of an entire new network. 

The radio communications marketplace responded with three systems: APCO-25, TETRA and 

GSM-R. 

APCO-25 is a proven standard for emergency services but was rejected for the reasons listed 

below. 

• It has no proven history of usage in a rail environment. 


• It does not support a functional addressing system that maps train run numbers to mobile 

subscribers’ numbers, which is a key requirement. 

• It does not meet the interoperability requirements. 

• It relies on a dispatch terminal for functionality, which does not meet RailCorp’s reliability 

requirements. 

• It is not scalable in regard to the future growth of the rail network. 

TETRA is also a proven emergency services communications system and is deployed in a 

number metropolitan rail networks. However, it was rejected for the reasons listed below. 

• This application is confined primarily to underground metro networks that are not 

comparable to RailCorp’s network. 

• It relies on a dispatch terminal for functionality, which does not meet the RailCorp reliability 

requirements. 

• It does not meet the interoperability requirements. 

• There is no commercialised Automatic Train Protection (ATP) solution available. 

GSM-R was deemed the platform most suitable for RailCorp’s train network and system 

requirements for the reasons listed below. 

• It is the only rail-specific communications standard and has the highest levels of safety and 

reliability in its design. 

• It is an open standard with a large number of equipment suppliers. 

• It achieved a higher level of compliance with the RailCorp functional requirements when 

compared to the other systems. 

• It is deployed by major rail operators in Europe and Asia, some with networks comparable 

in size and complexity to RailCorp’s network. 

• It operates on a spectrum of 1800 MHz which was available for purchase by RailCorp. The 

other options would have required the leasing of a radio spectrum from a 

telecommunications licence holder. 

• It is a scalable network that can grow in step with RailCorp operations and network. 

• It is compatible with the Australian Rail Track Corporation’s communication system. 

• It provides a platform for future enhancements and increased operational safety, including a 

Level 2 Automatic Train Protection (ATP) System, as per the recommendations of the 

Waterfall inquiry. 

• It will deliver the best value for money solution with the least risk. 


3.5 Alternatives to the Morisset 4 site 

The following options were considered for the development of the Morisset 4 site: 

• To do nothing; 

• Install the antennas on existing communication facilities in the Morisset area; or. 

• Install a new DBS, near Morisset railway station. 

The do nothing option was rejected for the reasons listed below. 

• The inability to meet the requirement of 100% network coverage. 

• A ‘black spot’ in the DTRS network, resulting in a significant safety issue in the event of an 

emergency call or a train incident. 

• The increasing maintenance costs of the MetroNet facility and the limited reliability for 

adequate operation for the next 10 – 15 years. 

None of the existing communications facilities were in a suitable position or offered the required 

height to provide adequate coverage to the rail network, and as such were not selected for this 

proposal. 

Radio frequency modelling also indicated that a new DBS at Morisset 4 railway station would 

not provide adequate coverage to the rail corridor. A second site would then be required, 

increasing costs and environmental risks. 

Other infrastructure options were considered, but were not feasible for the proposal. 

• The proposed monopole is less obtrusive, requires less space and will be cheaper to 

maintain than a lattice tower or guyed mast. A monopole also uses a foundation design 

that is better suited given the spatial limitations within the rail corridor. The monopole is 

thinner at the top and less obtrusive than a lattice tower, helping to minimise the visual 

impacts of the proposal. 

• The monopole can be installed using a hinge mechanism, which removes the need for 

large cranes. 

• The installation of a walk-in equipment hut would use more space and be more expensive. 

The use of outdoor cabinets was the most suitable solution given the limited space, cost 

and minimisation of environmental impacts. 


3.6 Justification of the Preferred Option 

It was decided to construct a DBS 3.3 kilometres south-west of Morisset railway station because 

it will enable the site to be consistent with the whole RailCorp DTRS network. Consistent 

technology choice will enable RailCorp to improve its existing quality of service, reliability and 

emergency responsiveness. The reasons for selecting the technology are discussed above. 

The Morisset 4 site was selected due to its ability to cover the section of track between Wyee 

and Morisset. The proposed antenna height of 19 metres is the minimum height required to 

provide optimum radio frequency coverage for these sections of track. 

The proposed site is also close to existing fibre and power supply and has good construction 

and maintenance access. The proposed work will not require the removal of large amounts of 

vegetation. 

Due to the large bend in this section of track, it is not possible to shift the site further north or 

south as it will lead to a RF coverage hole at adjacent sites, Morisset 2 or Wyee respectively. 

It is ideal to install the site on the western rail corridor as it is easily accessible to site and 

access to power and fibre supply sources. There are no additional benefits to install the site on 

the eastern rail corridor. 

In summary, a higher pole, or an additional DTRS facility would be required if the site was to be 

relocated. It was decided that a single 20 metre pole would offer the least impact on the local 

environment while still meeting operational requirements. 

Minimisation of Environmental Impact during Site Selection 

To ensure environmental impacts are minimised at the site, whilst still meeting operational 

requirements, a review of site constraints was undertaken. 

Maximise distance to nearest sensitive receiver 

Whilst the pole will have some level of visual impact, it has been located, as far as is 

practicable, away from nearby sensitive receivers. Furthermore, antennas will be oriented away 

from sensitive receivers. Section 1.3 identifies the location of nearby sensitive receivers for 

assessment. 

This approach will also ensure that any Electro-magnetic Energy (EME) impacts are mitigated. 

The maximum EME will be 0.078% of the safe ARPANSA exposure limits. This maximum level 

will be encountered in the direction of the antennas, which is along the rail tracks, hence it is 

expected that the sensitive receivers will encounter far less than this level. Section 4.13 

discussed the EME from the site. 


Minimise environmental impact 

The site has been located to minimise impact on the environment in particular, heritage, 

contaminated lands and ecological issues. There are no heritage items within the proposed 

area. Section 4.6 discusses the heritage impacts and mitigation measures in more detail. 

Contamination was also considered during the site selection process and, based on the 

methodology outlined in Section 4.8, it has been confirmed that the local land is not 

contaminated. This section also describes the procedures to be followed if contamination is 

discovered during construction. 

Also, ecological issues were considered during site selection and the site has been located so 

that there will be no impact on local vegetation during and post construction. 


4 Environmental Impact and Risks 

4.1 Landforms, Geology and Soils 

Existing Situation 

The proposed site is on the western side of the rail corridor about 3.3 kilometres south-west of 

Morisset railway station. The site is located on level ground in a cleared gravelly area, 12 

meters to the west of the railway line. The geology comprises the Tuggerah Formation of red, 

green and grey shale and quartz-lithic sandstone. The soil is of the Gorokan soil landscape 

type, which has high erosion potential once exposed. 

The Lake Macquarie City Council LEP does not provide information regarding Acid Sulphate 

Soils. 

A geological review was undertaken for this site (Appendix 5). The review identifies that fill 

materials are expected on the site, and if encountered they should be assessed for potential 

contamination. The standard control measures described below are deemed adequate for this 

site, if any further control measures are required, they will be included in the CEMP. 

Potential Impacts 

Approximately 60 square metres will be disturbed and excavated soil and rock will be stockpiled 

and removed from the site if it cannot be used elsewhere on the site. The foundation for the 

monopole will result in about five cubic metres of spoil and trenches for the cables will be 

backfilled upon completion. 

Excavation and trenching activities may result in erosion if appropriate mitigation measures are 

not in place, especially as work is to take place close to the rail cutting. Soil erosion has the 

potential to destabilise landforms and deposit sediments in drainage systems and waterways. 

Sediment deposition and fine particles in suspension within waterways have direct impact on 

water quality and aquatic life. 

Given the site characteristics and the scope and size of the proposed work, it is anticipated that 

erosion and sediment risks is minimal and can be effectively managed through the 

implementation of standard measures as outlined in the Landcom/Department of Housing 

Managing Urban Stormwater, Soils and Construction Guidelines (the Blue Book) (Landcom 

2004). 

No operational impacts are expected. 


Possible Control Measures 

A site specific erosion and sediment control plan will be prepared as part of CEMP. This plan 

will detail appropriate erosion and sedimentation control measures which will be implemented 

during the construction phase. The measures will include, but not be limited to, those outlined 

below. 

• All spoil will be transferred directly to skip bins or stockpiled appropriately. 

• Appropriate stockpiling of materials will take place away from drainage lines, waterways 

and drains. 

• Any soil that may be contaminated or weed infested will be stockpiled separately before 

being removed from the site. 

• Sediment fences and bunds will be installed and inspected regularly. 

• The tracking of soils on public roads will be prevented by using appropriate shaker 

grids/ballast pads. 

• Soil will be removed from public roads and other paved areas using dry street sweepers or 

other measures. 

• Disturbed areas will be replanted, if required. 

• During maintenance activities, any spills will be attended to and treated in an appropriate 

and timely fashion in accordance with normal RailCorp procedures. 

4.2 Water Quality and Hydrology 


In addition to sediment rich runoff, the following wastewater types can be generated by 

construction activities: 

• Liquid waste from non-destructive excavation 

• Water from spills, and from washing equipment and tools 

• Sewage from the site facilities 

• Water collected in trenches and the pit. 

The closest water body is a creek, approximately 103 metres west of the site, which is a 

tributary of Lake Macquarie. The suburban stormwater system is situated along the main roads 

(i.e. Wyee Road) and there are no stormwater drains around the construction footprint. The 

groundwater depth is not known but is expected to be lower than the pile bore. 


Possible Risks 

There is a risk that the local underground water table may be reached and groundwater may 

appear during pile boring activities. While this is not expected to occur at this site, it remains the 

major risk in respect of water quality and hydrology. The site-specific Construction & 

Environmental Management and Water Management plans will contain procedures to manage 

this risk if it eventuates. 


Without appropriate safeguards, contaminants may reach nearby drains and discharge into 

local waterways. These contaminants may have the potential to harm aquatic life and affect the 

quality of water downstream. However, the risk of such an occurrence is low, given the distance 

between the construction area and drains and creeks. 

Rain or groundwater may enter the excavations. If inappropriately managed, sediment-laden 

water could be discharged into local water bodies and/or the nearby stormwater system. 

No operational impacts are expected. The works will not affect the landform or the flow of water 

in the area. 


During construction water quality impacts will be minimised through a range of control measures 

in addition to the erosion and sedimentation controls included in Section 4.1. The water quality 

measures may include, but will not be limited to those outlined below. 

• A geological engineer will be present during the boring of the pile and work will cease 

immediately if groundwater is encountered. The water will be tested according to industry 

standards to determine the presence of contaminates or other materials. This will determine 

the most appropriate method of water disposal. If water is encountered, special construction 

methodologies will be adopted to prevent a continuing flow of groundwater to the surface. 

• Ensure construction materials are not left in the vicinity of stormwater drains. 

• Trenches and excavations will be covered to prevent rainwater entering. 

• Plant and equipment will be checked regularly for oil leaks. 

• Plant and equipment will not be refuelled on site. 

• Wash down areas will be off site. 

• Liquid waste generated during non-destructive excavation will be removed from the-site for 

treatment and disposal. 

A Water Management Plan will be prepared before construction begins to determine the most 

appropriate method for water disposal. This plan will include ongoing testing (and subsequent 

removal) of any water that may appear during construction. This water testing will be especially 

stringent during the pile boring activity. 


4.3 Air Quality 


Lake Macquarie City Council’s State of the Environment Report 2010-2011 does not provide 

information regarding regional air quality, however it is reported there were 15 exceedences of 

the health goal at the Wallsend air quality station relating to atmospheric particulate matter with 

diameter less than 10 micrometres (PM 10 ). 


Local and regional air quality can be affected during construction by dust, construction vehicle 

emissions and odour. Dust may be generated from the disturbance of soils or poorly maintained 

stockpile areas, which can affect human health or property. Poorly maintained vehicles can 

produce excess emissions. 

The works will require energy to power vehicles (e.g. construction, delivery and staff vehicles) 

and construction plant. The energy requirements will primarily be in the form of fuel (petrol and 

diesel). Fuel use will emit greenhouse gases with about 2.3 to 2.7 kilograms of carbon dioxide 

equivalent (CO 2 -e) emitted per litre of fuel consumed (DEWHA 2008). In addition, indirect and 

third party emissions will be generated as a result of energy used to produce materials (for 

example steel and concrete) – which is known as ‘embodied energy’. 

During operation, electricity will be required to power the facility, but the energy use will form 

only a small contribution to RailCorp’s overall greenhouse gas emissions. 


Air quality impacts throughout construction will be minimised through a range of control 

measures which may include, but will not be limited to, those outlined below. 

• Plant and equipment will be maintained in accordance with manufacturers’ specifications. 

• Regular inspection of plant and equipment will be undertaken to ascertain that fitted 

emission controls are operating efficiently. 

• Plant or machinery will not be left idling. 

• Stockpiles will be maintained and contained appropriately, which could include covering or 

regular watering to minimise dust. 

• Minimal work will be undertaken during high wind periods. 

• Trucks and train carriages transporting spoil and other waste materials from site will be 

covered appropriately. 

• Disturbed areas will be rehabilitated after construction. 


4.4 Biodiversity 


Based on a search within a one kilometre buffer of the proposed site, there are 42 species of 

fauna, 16 species of flora and 54 migratory bird species listed as threatened under the 

Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999 (EPBC Act). These species or their habitat 

may occur in the search area (refer Appendix 3). At a state level there are recordings of 77 

threatened fauna species and 22 threatened flora species listed under the Threatened Species 

Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) within the search area (refer Appendix 3). 

RailCorp vegetation mapping indicates that the site is in a section of the rail corridor where 

there is remnant vegetation and scattered weeds. 

There are 97 species of noxious weeds identified in the Lake Macquarie LGA. Weed control is 

enforceable by Lake Macquarie City Council, as the local control authority under the Noxious 

Weeds Act 1993. 


While there are several threatened species known to be present in the Lake Macquarie LGA, 

the site is in a disturbed area adjacent to the rail corridor, an area where there is no bushland or 

dense vegetation. 

The works are not expected to impact on any listed threatened species or endangered 

ecological communities (EECs). Given the absence of suitable habitat, it is unlikely that any 

threatened fauna species will be present in the area. 

As such, the proposed works will not affect, threaten or have a significant impact on any 

ecological communities, plants or animals listed under the EPBC Act and/or TSC Act. Referral 

to the Commonwealth Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and 

Communities for further consideration or approval in relation to potential flora and fauna impacts 

associated with the works is not considered necessary. Similarly, the preparation of a Species 

Impact Statement under NSW legislation to further consider the impacts of the proposal on any 

threatened plants or animals is not considered necessary. 

Excavation work has the potential to affect nearby trees if roots are damaged during excavation 

or equipment collides with trees. The nearest trees are about five metres from the site, which 

should be a sufficient distance to avoid adverse impacts. 

Once soil has been disturbed there is the potential for the spread of weeds. Noxious weeds are 

known to occur in the Lake Macquarie area. 

With regard to fauna, the work will not remove vegetation or any other features considered as 

potential habitat for fauna (threatened or otherwise). Animals could potentially fall into an open 

trench and become trapped or injured. Trapped animals could be accidentally entombed during 

the backfilling of trenches. 




Impacts on flora and fauna throughout construction will be minimised through a range of control 

measures which may include, but will not be limited to, those outlined below. 

• No trees will be removed. 

• Root cutting will be avoided. 

• Care will be taken to minimise the spread of weeds. 

• The work site will be inspected for any trapped or injured fauna at the start of each day. 

• Trenches/excavations will be covered at the end of each day and inspected before they are 

backfilled to ensure that no fauna species are harmed. 

4.5 Noise and Vibration 


The adjacent railway line and local traffic are the major sources of noise in the area. 

There are no residential receivers within 500 metres of the site. There are also no pre-schools, 

child care centres, churches; aged care facilities, primary schools, community colleges or high 

schools (refer Section 1.3 for more information). 

Construction Noise 

The Interim Construction Noise Guideline (ICNG) (DECC 2009) defines noise management 

levels (measured in decibels) for residential receivers and other types of receivers including 

commercial, retail and schools. 

The ICNG states: 

• Where the predicted or measured noise level is greater than the noise management level, 

the proponent should apply all feasible and reasonable work practices to meet the noise 

affected level; 

• The proponent should also inform all potentially affected residents of the nature of works to 

be carried out, the expected noise levels and duration, and contact details; and 

• For works above the highly affected noise criteria respite periods may be required, and for 

works outside standard hours there needs to be a strong justification and negotiation with 

the community (DECC 2009). 

Noise is likely to be created by construction trucks, machinery and, in particular, boring activities 

required to establish the foundations for the monopole. These activities will be of a short 

duration. 

Construction is expected to take six weeks and, as some work may take placed during 

scheduled trackwork may be required. Given this, background noise monitoring and the 

establishment of noise management levels for residential receivers is not proposed. The ICNG 


does, however, prescribe a highly noise affected criteria of 75 dBA L Aeq, 15min, which is the point 

at which there may be strong community reaction to noise. Given the offset distance, it is 

unlikely that dwellings, commercial premises or schools will experience a noise level above the 

highly affected level of 75 dBA L Aeq, 15min during the noisiest works. 

A range of standard construction noise mitigation measures is proposed to minimise noise (refer 

Table 2), and the community will be provided with details of the works before construction 

begins. 

Construction Vibration 

Vibration effects from the operation of heavy machinery, such as vibratory rollers or large earth 

moving equipment have the potential to cause structural disturbance or discomfort. The 

proposed work will not require the use of vibration-causing heavy machinery. 

Discomfort effects are not expected given the types of machinery required for construction 

works. Similarly, structural damage to buildings is not expected as the nearest buildings are 

adjacent to the railway and already experience vibration from trains on a regular basis. 

Operational Noise and Vibration 



Construction works will adopt Best Management Practice (BMP) and Best Available Technology 

Economically Achievable (BATEA) practices as described in the Interim Construction Noise 

Guideline (ICNG) (DECC 2009). 

In addition to the control measures listed in Table 2, the community will be notified of the works, 

duration and provided with contact details before work begins. Any noise complaints received 

will be addressed by the Project Manager as soon as possible. This is in accordance with EPL 

12208 residents are to be notified at least five days before construction begins. (Normal 

business hours are between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am and 1pm Saturday) 


4.5.1 Qualitative Construction Noise Assessment 

Distance to 

Approx. construction noise level at 

Noise screening or barriers 

Ambient noise environment 

Timing of construction work Duration of 

nearest sensitive 

7m, dB(A) 

at receiver 

construction work 

receiver 

Note 1 Note 2 Note 3 Note 4 

Distance 

(m) 

Rating 

Category 

(refer AS2436 and Note 2) 

Rating 

Description 

Rating 

Description 

Rating 

Category 

Rating 

Duration 

Rating 

Ratings -40 100 0 -35 0 -10 

Score 15 Impact/Risk Level Ranges 

Low: 50 requires specialist noise 

study / advice) 

* A quantitative noise assessment is required for all works lasting for three weeks or more 

Note: The principle source of noise will be the boring of the pole’s foundation. This activity with be carried out in a single day, hence the duration of the activity in 

the above table/calculations which resulted in a Low score of 15. All other noise during the entire construction process will be well within the Low Range. 

This score is deemed acceptable given that community consultation and notification is proceeding. 


Table 2 

Possible Construction Noise Control Measures 

Possible Construction Noise 

Control Measures 

Construction Noise Control Measures to be 

implemented during construction 

Maximising the offset distance Yes 

between noisy plant items and 

nearby residential receivers No Not applicable as there are no residential receivers 

within 500 metres of the proposed site. 

Avoid the simultaneous 

operation of two or more noisy 

plant items in close vicinity and 

adjacent to residential 

receivers 

Schedule the noisiest activities 

during normal business hours 

(7am and 6pm Monday to 

Friday and 7am and 4pm 

Saturday), or where this is not 

possible, to less sensitive 

times of day 

Yes 

No 

Yes 

No 

Not applicable as there are no residential receivers 




Provide periods of quiet if Yes 

activities occur for extended 

periods during the night No Not applicable as there are no residential receivers 


Minimise consecutive night Yes 

time activities in the same 

locality No Not applicable as there are no residential receivers 


Orient equipment away from 

residential receivers 

Yes 

No 



Carry out loading and 

Yes 

unloading away from 

residential receivers No Not applicable as there are no residential receivers 


Position site access points and Yes 

roads as far as possible away 

from residential receivers No Access to the site is off an existing RailCorp gate on 

Wyee Road, and not in an area of residential 

properties. 

Use structures to shield 

residential receivers from noise 

Yes 

No 




Possible Construction Noise 

Control Measures 

Construction Noise Control Measures to be 

implemented during construction 

Plan for and conducting night 

time activities in ways that 

eliminate or minimise the need 

for audible warning alarms 

Yes 

No 

Construction will take place during standard working 

hours only. 

Notify residents of any 

proposed activities which are 

to be conducted outside 

normal business hours and 

which are likely to create 

offensive noise 

Yes 

No 



4.6 Heritage 


A search for non-Aboriginal heritage items was undertaken by consulting the following 

databases: Lake Macquarie Local Environmental Plan (LEP), State Heritage Register, State 

Heritage Inventory, Australian Heritage Database, (including Commonwealth Register of the 

National Estate), world heritage sites and RailCorp’s Section 170 Heritage and Conservation 

Register. 

There are no heritage items around the proposed area (refer Appendix 3). 

A search for known items of Aboriginal heritage value was undertaken for the proposed site, 

(with a 50 metre buffer) using the Office of Environment and Heritage’s Aboriginal Heritage 

Information Management System (AHIMS). No Aboriginal sites or places were found at the 

location or its surrounds (refer Appendix 3). 


The monopole will introduce a new element into the visual environment (refer visual impacts in 

Section 4.10) however there are no residential or commercial properties within the vicinity of the 

proposed site. 

As such, the works are unlikely to have an impact on any known items or places of non- 

Aboriginal heritage value. All work will be undertaken away from known items and outside the 

boundaries of any heritage items. No permits or approvals are required. 

The construction works will not impact any known items of Aboriginal heritage significance. 

The potential to uncover unidentified Aboriginal heritage items is low. The site is in an area that 

has been disturbed previously. However, there is some potential for previously unidentified 

items to be uncovered during construction. 



Impact on heritage throughout construction will be minimised through a range of control 

measures, which may include, but will not be limited to, those outlined below. 

• If a non-Aboriginal historical relic is discovered, all work likely to affect it will cease and the 

Project Manager will be contacted. RailCorp heritage staff and the Heritage Branch 

(formerly Heritage Office), Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) will be notified as 

required. An investigation will be undertaken by a suitably qualified archaeologist to identify 

suitable measures to reduce the impact on the relic discovered before work resumes. 

• Should Aboriginal heritage items be uncovered, all work in the vicinity will cease and the 

Project Manager and RailCorp heritage staff will be notified immediately. The Manager of 

the Planning and Aboriginal Heritage Section, Metropolitan Branch, Environment Protection 

and Regulation Division, OEH will be notified in accordance with Section 89A of the 

National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. The local Aboriginal Land Council will be notified and 

an assessment by an archaeologist will be arranged to determine the significance of the 

objects and any other requirements before work resumes. 

4.7 Waste 


RailCorp is required to manage waste in accordance with the Waste Avoidance and Resource 

Recovery Act 2001 (WARR Act). The waste hierarchy (Avoid, Reuse, Recycle, Energy 

Recovery and Disposal) should be followed for all projects. No current waste has been identified 

on site. 

Potential Impact 

The main waste streams that may be generated during construction include: 

• Spoil from excavation; 

• Concrete 

• Asphalt; 

• Vegetation; 

• Packaging; 

• General litter including glass, plastic, metal and paper waste; 

• Wiring; and 

• Waste water from non-destructive excavation. 




A waste management plan will be prepared as part of CEMP to detail waste types and 

quantities as well as methods for segregation, handling, storing and disposal. Furthermore, 

waste impacts will be minimised through a range of control measures, (consistent with the 

WARR Act) which may include, but not be limited to, those outlined below. 

• All waste will be classified in accordance with the Waste Classification Guidelines (DECCW 

2009) and transported to a place that can lawfully accept the waste. 

• Any material that may be classified as a hazardous waste will be dealt appropriately and in 

accordance with RailCorp procedures. 

• Packaging will be minimised, where possible and where the safety and delivery of services 

is not compromised. 

• Wherever possible, suitable excavated spoil will be reused on site for backfilling, 

landscaping and other purposes. 

• Any spoil or waste material tracked onto roads will be swept up immediately. 

• Adequate numbers of bins and waste containers will be placed at the site. The site manager 

will ensure bins are not overflowing and are appropriately covered. 

• Waste water generated by non-destructive excavation will be taken off site for treatment 

and disposal. 

• All waste will be removed from the site when work is completed. 

4.8 Contaminated Land 


The site has been investigated for potential land contamination. The investigation included: 

• A visual inspection for signs of potential land contamination; 

• A search of the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) register of contaminated 

sites; 

• A search of RailCorp records; and 

• A review of all materials to be used at the site to establish their potential for land 

contamination. 

The initial investigation did not find any signs of potential land contamination, other than those 

typically associated with rail corridors. There are no visible and/or obvious signs of 

contamination in the vicinity of the site. No waste dumping, soil discoloration, odours and/or 

similar were noticed. 


RailCorp does not have any record or evidence that the site can be contaminated. There are no 

sites listed on the OEH contaminated sites register that are located near the DBS site. 

Hazardous materials will not be used during construction and operation and, therefore, the 

proposed work will not result in any new site contamination. 


The limited investigation cannot exclude potential contamination as the result of unknown past 

activities, either on the site or in the vicinity. There is a risk that contaminants could be 

encountered during the proposed work. If encountered, contaminants may pose a risk to the 

health of workers and the environment in general. 

Risk Management and Possible Controls 

The risk of encountering unknown contaminants during excavation will be managed in 

accordance with RailCorp procedures, the Environmental Management Plan for DTRS project 

and land contamination legislation. 

The impact of potential contaminants will be minimised through a range of control measures 

including, but not limited to, those outlined below. 

• During excavation, site workers will look for signs of potential contamination such as the 

presence of waste and/or other imported materials, odours, soil colouring, floating layers in 

groundwater etc. 

• If any contamination is encountered or suspected, work will stop immediately and the site 

will be fenced off. 

• Any potential contamination will be investigated and work resumed only after approval from 

the Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Manager is obtained. 

• The site will be validated before work begins. 

• Contaminated soil will be segregated in a special container before classification and 

disposal. 

The CEMP will further detail the proposed control measures. 


4.9 Hazardous Materials 


Construction, operation and maintenance of the proposed facility will not require the use of any 

chemicals and/or hazardous materials. However, if required for any unforeseen reason, a 

hazardous waste management plan will have to be prepared. The plan will detail terms applying 

to the purchase, storage, use, handling and disposal of such materials. 


If not properly used, chemicals may present a risk to the safety of workers and the environment 

in general. 

Safe use of chemicals is regulated and subject to numerous standards, including a need for a 

dangerous goods licence. 


The impact of any hazardous materials will be minimised through a range of control measures 

including, but not limited to, those outlined below. 

• Hazardous materials will be properly classified and managed in accordance with 

requirements for their particular class. 

• An evaluation of alternative materials will be undertaken before any use of chemicals is 

approved. 

• Hazardous materials will be transported, stored and used in accordance with the 

corresponding material safety data sheets which will be available on the site. 

• Hazardous materials will be stored in a locked and bunded area at the site; incompatible 

chemicals will not be stored together. 

• No fuels will be stored on site. Any refuelling will be undertaken at off-site facilities. 

• Adequate spill prevention, containment and response measures (e.g. drip trays) will be 

provided on site if needed. 

• Construction personnel will be trained in spill containment and response procedures. 

• All storage and handling equipment on site will be maintained properly. 

The site CEMP will further detail these measures, should they be required. 


4.10 Visual Aesthetics and Urban Design 


The visual landscape surrounding the proposed site includes the Newcastle and Central Coast 

railway line and associated overhead power lines/communications poles. There is dense 

vegetation lining the eastern and western fence of the rail corridor. 

There are no residential dwellings within 500 metres of the proposed site. 


During construction the visual environment will be temporarily altered through the presence of 

temporary work buildings, plant and equipment, such as trucks. 

While the site is operational, a new 20 metre high monopole will be introduced into the visual 

environment. The 1.7 metre high cabinets will be of little visual significance. 

A consideration of the impact of the new monopole should consider visual sensitivity and visual 

magnitude. A photomontage of the new monopole is provided as a guide in Figure 3. The actual 

location and height are stated as above. 

Visual sensitivity relates to the number of people who are likely to see the facility and their 

possible expectations of visual quality. For example, commercial properties are generally 

considered less sensitive than private residences. The site is in an area of low sensitivity given 

the large distance of residential receivers to the rail corridor and proposed monopole. There is 

dense vegetation screening the railway. 

The visual magnitude of the proposal is derived from its scale and the level of visual contrast 

between the proposed facility and the existing visual environment. The new steel monopole will 

be 20 metres high and will be close to existing overheard wires and power poles of similar 

appearance (see Figure 3). The monopole is not a bulky structure and will not be a dominant 

part of the visual landscape. As such, the visual magnitude for the proposal is considered low. 

Visual impact is generally determined by reference to both visual sensitivity and visual 

magnitude. Various combinations of visual sensitivity and visual magnitude produce low, 

moderate and high levels of impact. For this facility the overall impact is considered low. 


Visual impact will be minimised through a range of control measures which may include, but will 

not be limited to, those outlined below. 

• The construction site will be kept tidy and rubbish free. 

• The site will be rehabilitated as soon as possible. 

• On completion of work, all vehicles, materials and refuse relating to the works will be 

removed. 


Figure 3 View of the proposed site 


4.11 Land Use 


The proposed site is on land owned by RailCorp and zoned for the purposes of a railway under 

the Lake Macquarie LEP. The land where the new monopole and cabinets are to be situated 

and where trenching is required is not actively used for any RailCorp activities (i.e. an access 

route or storage area). The immediate neighbouring land uses are bushland. 


The proposal will not affect or alter the current use of the site or the immediate surrounding area 

as a rail corridor. It will not have any effects on the use of the neighbouring properties. Some 

work may be done during scheduled trackwork, but no special track possessions will be 

required. 


No specific control measures are required. 

4.12 Socio-Economic Effects 


The proposed site is in the Lake Macquarie LGA, which in the 2006 census had a population of 

around 19,855,288. The main employment areas are schools and education, hospitals, and 

cafes and restaurants. Morisset is mostly a residential suburb with a small commercial area 

near the railway station. 

The railway line bisects the suburb of Morisset in an area where there are few land uses. 

Bushland is the primary land use in the area. There are no residential receivers, schools, 

churches; aged care facilities or child care centres are in close proximity to the proposed site 


Social and economic considerations typically focus on the effect on the local community as a 

whole, and on any local businesses. Amenity issues such as noise, visual impacts and traffic 

are some of the key areas that can affect the community and are discussed in detail in sections 

4.5, 4.10 and 4.14. 

As some work may be undertaken during scheduled trackwork, some activity may occur on 

weekends to minimise interruptions to train services as a result of the work. 

Construction is unlikely to have any adverse effect on businesses, as work will be within the rail 

corridor. Noise impacts will be temporary (less than six weeks). There will be no traffic or 

access changes for any businesses or residents. 

The site will be appropriately fenced off during construction. In operation, the facility will be 

fenced off and pose only a minimal risk to public safety. 


There will be positive long term effects resulting from the proposal, as the new DTRS will 

provide a more effective communication service and improve the safety of the rail network. 

There may be minor short-term positive impacts for the surrounding area as a result of the need 

for materials, transport, food, services and accommodation. 

The DTRS project has a capital value of approximately $225 million and will generate over 100 

jobs over the life of the project. 


In addition to the control measures proposed in the noise, traffic and visual sections, other 

measures are outlined below. 

• Signage will notify the public about the works. 

• Appropriate fencing around the site will help maintain public safety during construction and 

operation 

4.13 Electromagnetic Energy (EME) 


Electromagnetic energy (EME) is the energy stored in an electromagnetic field. Radiofrequency 

EME refers to the EME generated by radio waves. EME is a factor of everyday life and is 

emitted by natural sources such as the sun and earth, and by man-made sources operating on 

radio waves (e.g. TV and radio broadcasts), baby monitors, model planes, mobile phone base 

stations and radio communications facilities. 

The Australian Radiation Protections and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) have established 

a radiation protection standard specifying limits for continuous exposure of the general public 

and occupational workers to radio frequency emissions. 


EME levels emitted by the new DBS have been estimated at 1.5 metres above ground level at 

various distances from the proposed antennas. It should be noted that the actual EME levels 

will be significantly less than predicted due to path losses and the fact that the DBS 

automatically minimises transmitter power to serve only established phone calls. The maximum 

cumulative EME level at 1.5 metres above the ground is estimated to be 0.078% of the 

ARPANSA exposure limits. EME impacts are unlikely when the facility is operational. The 

ARPANSA report is included at Appendix 4. 



The various elements will be located in areas that are not accessible by the public. However, 

the following control measures will also minimise and health and safety risks. 

• Appropriate signage will be placed around the site to warn people of the potential hazards. 

• All people required to work around occupationally hazardous radio frequencies will 

undergo RadHaz training. 

4.14 Traffic and Access 


Access to the proposed site will be via an existing RailCorp access gate off an unsealed access 

road off Wyee Road, approximately 60 metres south from the site. The land is suitable for 

vehicle use during the construction period and there is no need to develop a new access track 

or road. It is estimated that RailCorp staff and contractors use the gate and access track around 

14-20 times a year. 


During construction, there will be an increased number of vehicles using the local streets; 

however, the anticipated volume of traffic is relatively small (about four to six truck movements 

per day) when compared with existing volumes of traffic. The 2004 annual average daily traffic 

volume for Doyalson Road at the intersection with Dora Street (which is 1.1 kilometres from the 

proposed site) was around 13,594 vehicles per day (RTA 2005). 

As works are to take place in the rail corridor access changes to local roads or access to 

driveways are not expected. 

Vehicular traffic in the rail corridor will be limited to (i) delivery trucks for the BTS & power 

cabinets and the monopole sections and (ii) trucks with pile boring or trenching equipment. 

These trucks are not large enough to prevent access via the access gate and will able to travel 

to and from the site along the access road next to the tracks. 

There will be some traffic movement associated with vehicles that will need to access the site 

through the restricted access road off Wyee Road for maintenance requirements. However, the 

volume of traffic will be very small and will not adversely impact on the surrounding road 

network. It is proposed that the monopole and antennas be accessed via an elevated work 

platform or through the use of a ladder and dual lanyard system. 



Impacts associated with traffic and access will be minimised through a range of control 

measures, which may include, but will not be limited to those outlined below. 

• A Traffic Management Plan will be developed for the site. 

• A dilapidation survey will be completed before demobilisation. 

• Any pavement or road surfaces damaged during construction will be restored when work is 

finished. 

• The Traffic Management Plan will ensure compliance with Australian Standard AS1742.3- 

2002 Manual of uniform traffic control devices – traffic control devices on roads. 

4.15 Utilities and Services 


There is a number of existing services such as electricity and fibre close to the proposed site. 


The facility will be connected to the existing electricity supply and fibre network and does not 

require connections to water or gas. RailCorp has an existing metered power supply and will 

continue to use this supply. No overhead wires will need to be relocated. 

There are a number of public utilities near the site and there is the potential for some known or 

unknown services to be impacted during excavation or relocation/connections. Depending on 

the service, outages or interruptions could affect nearby properties or the rail network. 


• Ensure that a Dial Before You Dig call and RailCorp services search are undertaken to 

identify services. 

• Public utility providers will be consulted to minimise impacts during any utility relocations or 

readjustments. 

4.16 Light Spill 

Light spill impacts will not occur as night works are not proposed. In addition, there is no new 

permanent lighting proposed. No further consideration of light spill is considered necessary. 

4.17 Demand on Resources 

Construction materials are readily available and will be sourced from local contractors where 

possible. 


4.18 Cumulative Environmental Effects 

Cumulative impacts often result when several different construction projects are scheduled for 

similar times and locations. 

A search of the Department of Planning’s Major Projects register was undertaken and no major 

projects were identified in the vicinity of the proposed site. A search of major development 

applications around the area currently on exhibition and recently determined was undertaken 

and did not identify any large projects nearby that might be constructed at a similar time. 

There is also a risk of cumulative impacts if unscheduled work, e.g. emergency work by other 

utilities or developers, is required. Such situations will be monitored and addressed by the 

Project Manager. 

The Morisset 4 DBS site is one of a large number of radio communications facilities being 

installed across RailCorp’s electrified network as part of the DTRS project. In terms of localised 

cumulative construction impacts, the nearest construction for the DTRS project will be at the 

Morisset 2 site, which is about 1.9 kilometres north-east of the proposed site. Even if both 

facilities were constructed simultaneously, it is not likely cumulative noise or local traffic impacts 

will result. 

Overall this work, as part of the DTRS project, will result in significant benefits by providing a 

more effective communications systems for the RailCorp network. The GSM-R system is in use 

around the world and allows for continuous communications coverage, the capacity to make 

simultaneous calls and greatly improved emergency calling capabilities. Once active, the DTRS 

will provide a more effective communications system that will assist in the safe and efficient 

operation of RailCorp’s electrified rail network. 

Proposed Control Measures 

• Any other major development or works planned in the vicinity of the site will be investigated 

before construction begins. 

• Consultation with Lake Macquarie City Council and any other relevant stakeholders 

regarding other developments will be undertaken on an ongoing basis. 


4.19 Consideration of Clause 228 of EP&A Regulations and 

EPBC Act 

Clause 228 Factors 

Clause 228(2) of the EP&A Regulation 2000 details those factors that must be taken into 

account when consideration is being given to the likely impact of an activity on the environment. 

Table 3 provides a summary of how each of these factors has been considered. 

Table 3 

Consideration of Clause 228 Factors 

Clause 228 Factor Impacts Comments 

(a) Any environmental impact on a 

community 

-ve 

short-term 

There will be a short-term minor negative 

impact during the construction phase as 

there may be noise, air quality, traffic 

and visual impacts for nearby residents 

and community facilities. 

(b) Any transformation of a 

locality 

-ve short-term 

-ve long-term 

Minor short-term changes during 

construction phase given the presence of 

machinery and noise. 

In the long term, there will be the 

addition of new infrastructure to the 

visual landscape (monopole). Visual 

impacts have been assessed as low. 

(c) Any environmental impact on 

the ecosystems of the locality 

nil 

With the proposed mitigation measures 

in place the works will not impact on the 

ecosystem of the locality. 

(d) Any reduction of the aesthetic, 

recreational, scientific or other 

environmental quality or value 

of a locality 

-ve short-term 

-ve long-term 

There will be a minor reduction in the 

aesthetic values of the neighbourhood 

due to the anticipated noise, air quality, 

traffic and visual impacts resulting during 

construction. 

In the long term, there will be the 

addition of new infrastructure to the 

visual landscape. Visual impacts have 

been assessed as low. 

(e) Any effect on a locality, place 

or building having aesthetic, 

anthropological, 

archaeological, architectural, 

cultural, historical, scientific or 

social significance or other 

special value for present or 

future generations 

nil 

No such significant places will be 

affected during construction or operation. 

(f) 

Any impact on the habitat of 

any protected fauna (within the 

meaning of the National Parks 

nil 

No habitat on which protected or 

endangered species would be reliant will 

be impacted. 



and Wildlife Act 1974) 

(g) Any endangering of any 

species of animal, plant or 

other form of life, whether living 

on land, in water or in the air 

nil 

No protected or endangered species will 

be impacted. 

(h) Any long-term effects on the 

environment 

nil 

The proposed activities will not pose any 

environmental risks in the long term. 

(i) 

Any degradation of the quality 

of the environment 

nil 

The proposed work is not expected to 

have any significant adverse impacts on 

the quality of the environment. 

(j) 

Any risk to the safety of the 

environment 

-ve short-term During construction there is a risk to the 

environment due to accidental spills and 

sedimentation. These risks will be 

minimised through the implementation of 

the proposed control measures. 

(k) Any reduction in the range of 

beneficial uses of the 

environment 

-ve 

short-term 

Works are to take place on RailCorp land 

and will not adversely affect adjacent 

land uses. Works will require track 

possessions which will cause temporary 

interruptions to train services. 

(l) 

Any pollution of the 

environment 

-ve 

short-term 

During construction there is a risk of 

noise, water and air pollution. These 

risks will be minimised through the 

implementation of the proposed control 

measures. 

(m) Any environmental problems 

associated with the disposal of 

waste 

(n) Any increased demands on 

resources, natural or otherwise 

which are, or are likely to 

become in short supply 

-ve 

short-term 

nil 

During construction it is possible spoil 

may be contaminated and an appropriate 

remediation plan and/or waste disposal 

method will be required. 

Construction materials are readily 

available and will be sourced from local 

contractors where possible. 

(o) Any cumulative environmental 

effect with other existing or 

likely future activities 

nil short-term 

+ve long-term 

There are no other projects proposed or 

ongoing in the vicinity that may result in 

cumulative environmental impacts. 

The distance between the different 

DTRS sites is such that cumulative 

noise, air quality and traffic impacts are 

not expected. 

Overall this site, as part of the DTRS 

project, will have significant benefits in 

providing a more effective 

communications systems for the 

RailCorp network. Once active, the new 



DTRS will provide a safer and more 

efficient rail network. 

(p) Any impact on coastal 

processes and coastal 

hazards, including those under 

projected climate change 

conditions 

nil 

The proposed site is not on the coastline 

and has not been identified as within an 

area that is subject to increased sea 

level rise. 

Key: -ve = Negative Impact, NIL = No Impact, +ve = Positive Impact 

EPBC Act 1999 Factors 

Matters of national environmental significance must also be considered as required by the 

EPBC Act. These are considered in Table 4. 

Table 4 

Consideration of EPBC factors 

Factor (Commonwealth Legislation) Impacts Comments 

(a) Any environmental impact on a 

World Heritage property 

(b) Any impact on the National 

Heritage values of a National 

Heritage Place 

(c) Any environmental impact on 

wetlands of international 

importance 

(d) Any environmental impact on 

Commonwealth listed threatened 

species or ecological 

communities 

(e) Any environmental impact on 

Commonwealth listed migratory 

species 

No 

No 

No 

No 

No 

There are no World Heritage 

properties in the vicinity the site. 

There are no National Heritage 

places in the vicinity of the site. 

There are no wetlands of 

international importance in the 

vicinity of the proposed site. 

The nature, scale and location of 

the works are such that impacts 

on any Commonwealth listed 

threatened species or ecological 

communities or their habitats are 

not expected. Indirect impacts are 

also not expected. 

The nature, scale and location of 

the works are such that impacts 

on any Commonwealth listed 

threatened species or ecological 

communities or their habitats are 

not expected. Indirect impacts are 

also not expected. 

(f) 

Does any part of the proposal 

involve a nuclear action 

No 

The proposal does not involve 

any nuclear actions. 

(g) Any environmental impact on a 

Commonwealth marine area 

(h) Any direct or indirect effect on 

Commonwealth land 

No 

No 

The site is not in the vicinity of 

any Commonwealth marine 

areas. 

The site is not on or close to any 

Commonwealth land. 


4.20 Summary of Control Measures 

Landforms, Geology and Soils 

• All spoil will be transferred directly to skip bins or stockpiled appropriately. 

• Appropriate stockpiling of materials will take place away from drainage lines, 

waterways and drains. 

• Any soil that may be contaminated or weed infested will be stockpiled separately 

before being removed from the site. 

• Sediment fences and bunds will be installed and inspected regularly. 

• The tracking of soils on public roads will be prevented by using appropriate shaker 

grids/ballast pads. 

• Soil will be removed from public roads and other paved areas using dry street 

sweepers or other measures. 

• Disturbed areas will be replanted, if required. 

• During maintenance activities, any spills will be attended to and treated in an 

appropriate and timely fashion in accordance with normal RailCorp procedures. 

Water Quality and Hydrology 

• A geological engineer will be present during the boring of the pile and work will cease 

immediately if groundwater is encountered. The water will be tested according to 

industry standards to determine the presence of contaminates or other materials. This 

will determine the most appropriate method of water disposal. If water is encountered, 

special construction methodologies will be adopted to prevent a continuing flow of 

groundwater to the surface. 

• Ensure no construction materials are left in the vicinity of stormwater drains. 

• Trenches and excavations will be covered to prevent rain water entering. 

• Plant and equipment will be checked regularly for oil leaks. 

• Plant and equipment will not be refuelled on site. 

• Wash down areas will be offsite. 

• Liquid waste generated during non-destructive excavation will be removed from the 

site for treatment and disposal. 


Air Quality 

• Plant and equipment will be maintained in accordance with manufacturers’ 

specifications. 

• Regular inspection of plant and equipment will be undertaken to ascertain that fitted 

emission controls are operating efficiently. 

• Plant or machinery will not be left idling. 

• Stockpiles will be maintained and contained appropriately, which could include 

covering or regular watering to minimise dust. 

• Minimal work will be undertaken during high wind periods. 

• Trucks and train carriages transporting spoil and other waste materials from site will be 

covered appropriately. 

• Disturbed areas will be rehabilitated after construction. 

Biodiversity 

• No trees will be removed. 

• Root cutting will be avoided. 

• Care will be taken to minimise the spread of weeds. 

• The work site will be inspected for any trapped or injured fauna at the start of each 

day. 

• Trenches/excavations will be covered at the end of each day and inspected before 

they are backfilled to ensure that no fauna species are harmed. 

Noise and Vibration 

• Please refer to Table 2 Possible Construction Noise Control Measures. 

Heritage 

• If a non-Aboriginal historical relic is discovered, all work likely to affect it will cease and 

the Project Manager will be contacted. RailCorp heritage staff and the Heritage Branch 

(formerly Heritage Office), Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) will be notified 

as required. An investigation will be undertaken by a suitably qualified archaeologist to 

identify suitable measures to reduce the impact on the relic discovered before work 


esumes. 

• Should Aboriginal heritage items be uncovered, all work in the vicinity will cease and 

the Project Manager and RailCorp heritage staff will be notified immediately. The 

Manager of the Planning and Aboriginal Heritage Section, Metropolitan Branch, 

Environment Protection and Regulation Division, OEH will be notified in accordance 

with Section 89A of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974. The local Aboriginal 

Land Council will be notified and an assessment by an archaeologist will be arranged 

to determine the significance of the objects and any other requirements before work 

resumes. 

Waste 

• All waste will be classified in accordance with the Waste Classification Guidelines 

(DECCW 2009) and transported to a place that can lawfully accept the waste. 

• Any material that may be classified as a hazardous waste will be dealt appropriately 

and in accordance with RailCorp procedures. 

• Packaging will be minimised, where possible and where the safety and delivery of 

services is not compromised. 

• Wherever possible, suitable excavated spoil will be reused on site for backfilling, 

landscaping and other purposes. 

• Any spoil or waste material tracked onto roads will be swept up immediately. 

• Adequate numbers of bins and waste containers will be placed at the site. The site 

manager will ensure bins are not overflowing and are appropriately covered. 

• Waste water generated by non-destructive excavation will be taken off site for 

treatment and disposal. 

• All waste will be removed from the site when work is completed. 

Contaminated Land 

• During excavation, site workers will look for signs of potential contamination such as 

the presence of waste and/or other imported materials, odours, soil colouring, floating 

layer in groundwater etc. 

• If any contamination is encountered or suspected the work will stop immediately and 

the site will be fenced off. 

• Any potential contamination will be investigated and work resumed only after approval 


from the Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) Manager is obtained. 

• The site will be validated before work begins. 

• Contaminated soil will be segregated in a special container before classification and 

disposal. 

Hazardous Materials 

• Hazardous materials will be properly classified and managed in accordance with 

requirements for their particular class. 

• An evaluation of alternative materials will be undertaken before any use of chemicals 

is approved. 

• Hazardous materials will be transported, stored and used in accordance with the 

corresponding material safety data sheets which will be available on the site. 

• Hazardous materials will be stored in a locked and bundled area at the site; 

incompatible chemicals will not be stored together. 

• No fuels will be stored on site. Any refuelling will be undertaken at off-site facilities. 

• Adequate spill prevention, containment and response measures (e.g. drip trays) will be 

provided on site if needed. 

• Construction personnel will be trained in spill containment and response procedures. 

• All storage and handling equipment on site will be maintained properly. 

Visual Aesthetics and Urban Design 

• The construction site will be kept tidy and rubbish free. 

• The site will be rehabilitated as soon as possible. 

• On completion of the work, all vehicles, materials and refuse relating to the works will 

be removed. 

Land Use 

• No specific control measures are required. 


Socio-Economic Effects 

• Signage will notify the public about the works. 

• Appropriate fencing around the site will help maintain public safety during construction 

and operation 

Electromagnetic Energy (EME) 

• Appropriate signage will be placed around the site to warn people of the potential 

hazards. 

• All people required to work around occupationally hazardous radio frequencies will 

undergo RadHaz training. 

Traffic and Access 

• A Traffic Management Plan will be developed for the site. 

• A dilapidation survey will be completed before demobilisation. 

• Any pavement or road surfaces damaged during construction will be restored when 

work is finished. 

• The Traffic Management Plan will ensure compliance with Australian Standard 

AS1742.3-2002 Manual of uniform traffic control devices – traffic control devices on 

roads. 

Utilities and Services 

• Ensure that a Dial Before You Dig call and RailCorp services search are undertaken to 

identify services. 

• Public utility providers will be consulted to minimise impacts during any utility 

relocations or readjustments. 

Light Spill 



Demand on Resources 


Cumulative Environmental Effects 

• Any other major development or works planned in the vicinity of the site will be 

investigated before construction begins. 

• Consultation with Lake Macquarie City Council and any other relevant stakeholders 

regarding other developments will be undertaken on an ongoing basis. 

4.21 Implementation Process 

The construction contractor will incorporate the mitigation and control measures in this REF into 

a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP), preparing this in accordance with the 

Guideline for the Preparation for Environmental Management Plans (DIPNR 2004). The CEMP 

will be the key environmental management document followed by the Project Manager during 

construction and commissioning to ensure appropriate environmental management practices 

are followed. 

A copy of this REF and the CEMP is to be retained on site and produced upon request. The 

CEMP will include: 

• Details of environmental controls to be implemented including location and timing; 

• Details of statutory requirements including any approvals and licences; 

• Assignment of responsibility for implementation and monitoring of environmental controls; 

• Reporting and emergency procedures; 

• Contact details for all site personnel and agency contacts; and 

• Corrective action requirements and their verification. 


5 References 

• DECC (2009) Interim Construction Noise Guideline. Prepared by the Department of 

Environment and Climate Change, Sydney. 

• DECCW (2009) Waste Classification Guidelines. Prepared by the Department of 

Environment, Climate Change and Water, Sydney. 

• DEWHA (2010) Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions. Accessed on 9 June 2011 at: 

http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/transport/fuelguide/environment.html. 

• DIPNR (2004) Guideline for the Preparation of Environmental Management Plans. 

Prepared by the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, Sydney. 

• DoP (2010) NSW Telecommunication Facilities Guideline including Broadband. Prepared 

by Department of Planning, Sydney. 

• Landcom (2004) Managing Urban Stormwater, Soils and Construction Guidelines (the Blue 

Book). Prepared by Landcom/Department of Housing, Sydney. 

• RTA (2005) AADT volumes for Hunter and Central Coast Regions 2004. Accessed on 1 

June 2011 at: http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/trafficinformation/downloads/aadtdata_dl1.html. 

• Lake Macquarie City Council (2010) State of the Environment Report 2010/2011. Prepared 

by Lake Macquarie City Council. 

• RailCorp (2009): Contaminated Land Management Procedure (EMS-09-PR-0004). 


Appendix 1: Principles from the Telecommunications 

Facilities Guidelines 

Principle 1: A telecommunications facility is to be designed and sited to minimise visual 

impact. 

Principle 

(a) As far as practical, a telecommunications 

facility that is to be mounted on an existing 

building or structure should be integrated with 

the design and appearance of the building or 

structure. 

(b) The visual impact of telecommunications 

facilities should be minimised, visual clutter is 

to be reduced particularly on tops of buildings, 

and their physical dimensions (including 

support mounts) should be sympathetic to the 

scale and height of the building to which it is to 

be attached, and sympathetic to adjacent 

buildings. 

(c) Where telecommunications facilities 

protrude from a building or structure and are 

predominantly backgrounded against the sky, 

the facility and their support mounts should be 

either the same as the prevailing colour of the 

host building or structure, or a neutral colour 

such as grey should be used. 

(d) Ancillary facilities associated with the 

telecommunications facility should be 

screened or housed, using the same colour as 

the prevailing background to reduce its 

visibility, including the use of existing 

vegetation where available, or new 

landscaping where possible and practical. 

Proposal 

The proposed work does not involve mounting 

antennas to a building or structure. 

The design and site selection process aimed 

to minimise visual impact. This has been 

achieved by selecting a location inside the rail 

corridor where there is already a level of 

disturbance, the presence of vertical 

structures as well as trees along the edge of 

the rail corridor. The selection of a monopole 

and antenna mounting system that is 

unobtrusive with minimal visual bulk will also 

minimise visual impact. 

The proposal does not involve mounting 

antennas to a building or structure. 

The outdoor cabinets will be adjacent to the 

base of the monopole. The cabinets will be 

less than two metres high. 


Principle 

(e) A telecommunications facility should be 

located and designed to respond appropriately 

to its rural landscape setting. 

(f) A telecommunications facility located on, or 

adjacent to, a State or local heritage item or 

within a heritage conservation area, should be 

sited and designed with external colours, 

finishes and scale sympathetic to those of the 

heritage item or conservation area. 

(g) A telecommunications facility should be 

located so as to minimise or avoid the 

obstruction of a significant view of a heritage 

item or place, a landmark, a streetscape, vista 

or a panorama, whether viewed from public or 

private land. 

(h) The relevant local government authority 

must be consulted where the pruning, lopping, 

or removal of any tree or other vegetation 

would contravene a Tree Preservation Order 

applying to the land or where a permit or 

development consent is required. 

(i) A telecommunications facility that is no 

longer required is to be removed and the site 

restored, to a condition that is similar to its 

condition before the facility was constructed. 

(j) The siting and design of 

telecommunications facilities should be in 

accordance with any relevant Industry Design 

Guides. 

Proposal 

The proposed site is not in a rural area. It is in 

the rail corridor adjacent to a residential area. 

The visual elements of the proposal are not on 

or within a heritage item. 

The proposed facility will not block or 

significantly obstruct any views of heritage 

items or other landmarks of state significance. 

The proposed monopole is less than 500 

millimetres wide at the top and will not have a 

headframe supporting the antennas. The 

monopole will not represent a dominant 

structure in the view lines of people occupying 

the residential properties in the surrounding 

area. 

No trees will be removed. 

Should the facility ever become redundant, the 

various elements will be decommissioned and 

removed. Following removal, the land will be 

restored as close as practicable to its 

condition before work began. 

The proposed design has been completed 

using “best industry practice” and complies 

with the relevant standards regarding 

structural engineering, EME and construction 

procedures. 


Principle 2: Telecommunications facilities should be co-located wherever practical. 

Principle 

(a) Telecommunications lines are to be 

located, as far as practical, underground or 

within an existing underground conduit or 

duct. 

(b) Overhead lines, antennas and ancillary 

telecommunications facilities should, where 

practical, be co-located or attached to existing 

structures such as buildings, public utility 

structures, poles, towers or other radio 

communications equipment to minimise the 

proliferation of telecommunication facilities 

and unnecessary clutter. 

(c) Towers may be extended for the purposes 

of co-location. 

(d) The extension of an existing tower must 

be considered as a practical co-location 

solution prior to building new towers. 

(e) If a facility is proposed not to be colocated 

the proponent must demonstrate that 

co-location is not practicable. 

(f) If the development is for a co-location 

purpose, then any new telecommunications 

facility must be designed, installed and 

operated so that the resultant cumulative 

levels of radio frequency emissions of the colocated 

telecommunications facilities are 

within the maximum human exposure levels 

set out in the Radiation Protection Standard. 

Proposal 

The fibre connections for the DTRS network 

will be in existing conduits or in new 

underground conduits wherever feasible or 

possible. 

Co-location on other communications towers 

has been considered. No other towers were 

deemed appropriate or in a location to 

provide sufficient network coverage, as such 

a new monopole is proposed. 

The proposal does not involve the use of an 

existing tower. The extension of existing 

towers in the area was considered and 

deemed unsuitable. 

The proposal does not involve the use of an 

existing tower; however the extension of 

existing towers in the area was considered 

and deemed unsuitable. 

There are no suitable communications 

towers in the target coverage area that would 

satisfy the coverage objectives as well as the 

network requirements of the DTRS project. 

Co-location is not proposed. 


Principle 3: Health standards for exposure to radio emissions will be met. 

Principle 

(a) A telecommunications facility must be 

designed, installed and operated so that the 

maximum human exposure levels to 

radiofrequency emissions comply with 

Radiation Protection Standard. 

(b) An EME Environmental Report shall be 

produced by the proponent of development 

to which the Mobile Phone Network Code 

applies in terms of design, siting of facilities 

and notifications. 

The Report is to be in the format required by 

the Australian Radiation Protection Nuclear 

Safety Agency (ARPANSA). It is to show the 

predicted levels of electromagnetic energy 

surrounding the development comply with 

the safety limits imposed by the Australian 

Communications and Media Authority and 

the Electromagnetic Radiation Standard, and 

demonstrate compliance with the Mobile 

Phone Networks Code. 

Proposal 

The proposed facility will comply with the 

ARPANSA standard in relation to human 

exposure to EME. An EME report has been 

completed and is found at Appendix 4. 

This report demonstrates compliance with the 

ARPANSA standard for the operation of a 

radio communications facility in Australia. 

The proposal is not for a mobile phone 

network and is not subject to the Code for the 

Development of Mobile Phone Network 

Infrastructure commonly known as the ACIF 

Code. 

An EME report has been completed and is 

found at Appendix 4. 


Principle 4: Minimise disturbance and risk, and maximise compliance 

Principle 

(a) The siting and height of any 

telecommunications facility must comply with 

any relevant site and height requirements 

specified by the Civil Aviation Regulations 

1988 and the Airports (Protection of Airspace) 

Regulations 1996 of the Commonwealth. It 

must not penetrate any obstacle limitation 

surface shown on any relevant Obstacle 

Limitation Surface Plan that has been 

prepared by the operator of an aerodrome or 

airport operating within 30 kilometres of the 

proposed development and reported to the 

Civil Aviation Safety Authority Australia. 

(b) The telecommunications facility is not to 

cause adverse radio frequency interference 

with any airport, port or Commonwealth 

Defence navigational or communications 

equipment, including the Morundah 

Communication Facility, Riverina. 

(c) The telecommunications facility and 

ancillary facilities are to be carried out in 

accordance with the applicable specifications 

(if any) of the manufacturers for the installation 

of such equipment. 

(d) The telecommunications facility is not to 

affect the structural integrity of any building on 

which it is erected. 

(e) The telecommunications facility is to be 

erected wholly within the boundaries of a 

property where the landowner has agreed to 

the facility being located on the land. 

(f) The carrying out of construction of the 

telecommunications facilities must be in 

Proposal 

The provisions of the Civil Aviation 

Regulations 1988 and the Airports (Protection 

of Airspace) Regulations 1996 were 

considered during the design and siting 

process. There is no need for the installation 

of a warning light or aircraft navigation light, as 

the proposal does not penetrate the Obstacle 

Limitation Surface. 

RailCorp will operate the radio facility with its 

own spectrum and the facility will not cause 

any interference with other networks. All radio 

transmitters will use the frequency assigned to 

RailCorp for the exclusive use of RailCorp. 

The installation and operation of the radio 

equipment and antennas will be carried out in 

accordance with the manufacturers’ 

specifications. 

The proposed facility will not be connected to 

an existing building. 

The proposed facility will be inside the rail 

corridor that is owned and used by RailCorp. 

RailCorp is the proponent of the network and 

agrees to the use of the land for the proposed 

radio equipment. 

The activities associated with construction and 

installation will be done in accordance with 


Principle 

accordance with all relevant regulations of the 

Blue Book – ‘Managing Urban Storm water: 

Soils and Construction’ (Landcom 2004), or its 

replacement. 

(g) Obstruction or risks to pedestrians or 

vehicles caused by the location of the facility, 

construction activity or materials used in 

construction are to be mitigated. 

Proposal 

sediment controls, erosion controls, 

stormwater controls and other controls 

outlined in the Blue Book (refer Section 4.1). 

Construction activities will take place in the rail 

corridor and changes to traffic and access are 

not expected. 

Any traffic changes will be implemented in 

accordance with an approved Traffic 

Management Plan 

There will be no risks to traffic or pedestrians 

during the operation of the proposal. 

(h) Where practical, work is to be carried out 

during times that cause minimum disruption to 

adjoining properties and public access. Hours 

of work are to be restricted to between 7.00am 

and 6.00pm, Mondays to Saturdays, with no 

work on Sundays and public holidays. 

(i) Traffic control measures are to be taken 

during construction in accordance with 

Australian Standard AS1742.3-2002 Manual of 

uniform traffic control devices – Traffic control 

devices on roads. 

(j) Open trenching should be guarded in 

accordance with Australian Standard Section 

93.080 – Road Engineering AS1165 – 1982 – 

Traffic hazard warning lamps. 

(k) Disturbance to flora and fauna should be 

minimised and the land is to be restored to a 

condition that is similar to its condition before 

the work was carried out. 

All work associated with the development and 

installation of the BTS site will occur between 

7.00am to 6.00pm, Mondays to Fridays and 

7.00am to 4.00pm Saturdays, with no work on 

Sundays and public holidays. However, some 

work may be undertaken during scheduled 

trackwork. No night work is proposed. 

A Traffic Management Plan will be developed 

and implemented during construction and 

installation activities. The procedures and 

mitigation measures in the plan will ensure 

compliance with Australian Standard 

AS1742.3-2002 Manual of uniform traffic 

control devices – Traffic control devices on 

roads (refer Section 4.14). 

There will be no open trenches outside the rail 

corridor and all trenches will be covered or 

filled so that they are not open overnight. 

No trees will be removed. 


Principle 

(l) The likelihood of impacting on threatened 

species and communities should be identified 

in consultation with relevant state or local 

government authorities and disturbance to 

identified species and communities avoided 

wherever possible. 

(m) The likelihood of harming an Aboriginal 

Place and / or Aboriginal object should be 

identified. Approvals from the Office of 

Environment & Heritage (OEH) must be 

obtained where impact is likely, or Aboriginal 

objects are found. 

(n) Street furniture, paving or other existing 

facilities removed or damaged during 

construction should be reinstated (at the 

telecommunications carrier’s expense) to at 

least the same condition as that which existed 

prior to the telecommunications facility being 

installed. 

Proposal 

The proposed activities do not require the 

removal of significant amounts of vegetation. 

A search of threatened species has been 

completed (refer Appendix 3) and there is not 

expected to be significant impact on any 

threatened species. 

A search of the AHIMS has been completed 

and there are no known items or places of 

archaeological significance on the site or in 

the immediate surrounding area (refer 

Appendix 3). 

If any suspicious items or objects are found 

during excavation, work will cease 

immediately and the OEH will be consulted 

and works will not re-commence until OEH 

have granted their consent. 

All street furniture, paving and walkways will 

be reinstated at the end of construction to at 

least the same condition they were in before 

work began. 


Appendix 2: Design Plans 

• DTRS-D-268-BS-0003: Morisset 4 Outdoor Design – Rail Corridor Site Layout Plan 

• DTRS-D-268-BS-0004: Morisset 4 Outdoor Design – Rail Corridor Set out Design 

• DTRS-D-268-BS-0005: Morisset 4 Outdoor Design – Rail Corridor DBS Elevation and 

Antenna Table 

• DTRS-D-268-TR-0001: Morisset 4 Transmission Diagram 

• DTRS-D-268-BS-0031: Morisset 4 Earthing Diagram. 


Appendix 3: Database Searches 

Extracts from the NSW Wildlife Atlas 

Flora 

Fauna 

Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System Report 

Section 170: RailCorp Heritage Register – Items in Lake Macquarie 

NSW Heritage Register 

Australian Heritage Database 

EPBC Act 1999 Protected Matters Report 


Appendix 4: Electro- Magnetic Energy (EME) Reports 

Refer to attached: 

• DTRS-R-268-EM-0001: Morisset 4 Electro-Magnetic Energy Report (APRANSA 

REPORT) 


Appendix 5: Site 268 Morisset 4 Geotechnical Advice 


Released 

By: JM 

UGL Infrastructure 

Date: 10/05/2012 Reviewers: EG,PD

Released 

By: JM 



Released 

By: JM 



Released 

By: JM 


Date: 10/05/2012 

Reviewers: PH

Released 

By: JM 


Date: 10/05/2012 Reviewers: DT,AH,DB

Australian Heritage Database 

http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/ahdb/search.pl 

Page 1 of 1 

21/05/2012 

Search Results 

1 result found. 

Morisset Showground Ourimbah St 

Morisset, NSW, 

Australia 

(Indicative Place) 

Register of the 

National Estate 

(Non-statutory 

archive) 

Report Produced: Mon May 21 10:34:33 2012 

Accessibility | Disclaimer | Privacy | © Commonwealth of Australia

AHIMS Web Services (AWS) 

Search Result Your Ref Number : J109447-268 

Client Service ID : 70445 

Noel Arnold & Associates 

Level 2 11 Khartoum Road 

North Ryde New South Wales 2113 

Attention: Hayley Given 

Email: hayley.given@noel-arnold.com.au 

Dear Sir or Madam: 

AHIMS Web Service search for the following area at Lat, Long From : 151.47875, -33.13642 - Lat, Long To : 

-33.1364, 151.47877 with a Buffer of 50 meters. conducted by Hayley Given on 21 May 2012 

A search off the Offffice off the Environment and Heritage AHIMS Web Services (Aboriginal Heritage Infformation 

Management System) has shown that: 

0 Aboriginal sites are recorded in or near the above location. 

0 Aboriginal places have been declared in or near the above location. * 

If your search shows Aboriginal sites or places what should you do 

You must do an extensive search iff AHIMS has shown that there are Aboriginal sites or places recorded in the 

search area. 

Iff you are checking AHIMS as a part off your due diligence, reffer to the next steps off the Due Diligence Code off 

practice. 

You can get ffurther infformation about Aboriginal places by looking at the gazettal notice that declared it. 

Aboriginal places gazetted affter 2001 are available on the NSW Government Gazette 

(http://www.nsw.gov.au/gazette) website. Gazettal notices published prior to 2001 can be obtained ffrom 

Offffice off Environment and Heritage's Aboriginal Heritage Infformation Unit upon request 

Important information about your AHIMS search 

The infformation derived ffrom the AHIMS search is only to be used ffor the purpose ffor which it was requested. 

It is not be made available to the public. 

AHIMS records infformation about Aboriginal sites that have been provided to Offffice off Environment and 

Heritage and Aboriginal places that have been declared by the Minister; 

Infformation recorded on AHIMS may vary in its accuracy and may not be up to date .Location details are 

recorded as grid refferences and it is important to note that there may be errors or omissions in these 

recordings, 

Some parts off New South Wales have not been investigated in detail and there may be ffewer records off 

Aboriginal sites in those areas. These areas may contain Aboriginal sites which are not recorded on AHIMS. 

Aboriginal objects are protected under the National Parks and Wildliffe Act 1974 even iff they are not recorded 

as a site on AHIMS. 

This search can fform part off your due diligence and remains valid ffor 12 months. 

Date: 21 May 2012 

PO BOX 1967 Hurstville NSW 2220 

43 BridgeStreet HURSTVILLE NSW 2220 

Tel: (02)9585 6345 (02)9585 6741 Fax: (02)9585 6094 

ABN 30 841 387 271 

Email: ahims@environment.nsw.gov.au 

Web: www.environment.nsw.gov.au

EPBC Act Protected Matters Report 

This report provides general guidance on matters of national environmental significance and other 

matters protected by the EPBC Act in the area you have selected. 

Information on the coverage of this report and qualifications on data supporting this report are 

contained in the caveat at the end of the report. 

Information about the EPBC Act including significance guidelines, forms and application process 

details can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/assessmentsapprovals/index.html 

LGA LAKE MACQUARIE, NSW 

Report created: 21/05/12 10:39:58 

Summary 

Details 

Matters of NES 

Other Matters Protected by the EPBC Act 

Extra Information 

Caveat 

Acknowledgements 

This map may contain data which are 

©Commonwealth of Australia 

(Geoscience Australia), ©PSMA 2010 

Summary 

Matters of National Environment Significance 

This part of the report summarises the matters of national environmental significance that may occur 

in, or may relate to, the area you nominated. Further information is available in the detail part of the 

report, which can be accessed by scrolling or following the links below. If you are proposing to 

undertake an activity that may have a significant impact on one or more matters of national 

environmental significance then you should consider the Administrative Guidelines on Significance - 

see http://www.environment.gov.au/epbc/assessmentsapprovals/guidelines/index.html 

World Heritage Properties: 

National Heritage Places: 

Wetlands of International 

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park: 

Commonwealth Marine Areas: 

Threatened Ecological Communities: 

Threatened Species: 

Migratory Species: 

None 

None 

1 

None 

None 

2 

58 

54


This part of the report summarises other matters protected under the Act that may relate to the area 

you nominated. Approval may be required for a proposed activity that significantly affects the 

environment on Commonwealth land, when the action is outside the Commonwealth land, or the 

environment anywhere when the action is taken on Commonwealth land. Approval may also be 

required for the Commonwealth or Commonwealth agencies proposing to take an action that is likely 

to have a significant impact on the environment anywhere. 

The EPBC Act protects the environment on Commonwealth land, the environment from the actions 

taken on Commonwealth land, and the environment from actions taken by Commonwealth agencies. 

As heritage values of a place are part of the 'environment', these aspects of the EPBC Act protect the 

Commonwealth Heritage values of a Commonwealth Heritage place and the heritage values of a 

place on the Register of the National Estate. Information on the new heritage laws can be found at 

http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/index.html 

This part of the report summarises other matters protected under the Act that may relate to the area 

you nominated. Approval may be required for a proposed activity that significantly affects the 

environment on Commonwealth land, when the action is outside the Commonwealth land, or the 

environment anywhere when the action is taken on Commonwealth land. Approval may also be 

required for the Commonwealth or Commonwealth agencies proposing to take an action that is likely 

to have a significant impact on the environment anywhere. 

A permit may be required for activities in or on a Commonwealth area that may affect a member of a 

listed threatened species or ecological community, a member of a listed migratory species, whales 

and other cetaceans, or a member of a listed marine species. Information on EPBC Act permit 

requirements and application forms can be found at http://www.environment.gov. 

Commonwealth Lands: 

Commonwealth Heritage Places: 

Listed Marine Species: 

Whales and Other Cetaceans: 

Critical Habitats: 

Commonwealth Reserves: 

8 

None 

71 

12 

None 

None 


This part of the report provides information that may also be relevant to the area you have 

Place on the RNE: 

30 

State and Territory Reserves: 

12 

Regional Forest Agreements: 

Invasive Species: 

1 

18 

Nationally Important Wetlands: 2 

Details 

Matters of National Environmental Significance 

Wetlands of International Significance (RAMSAR) [ Resource Information ] 

Name 

Hunter estuary wetlands 

Proximity 

Within 10km of Ramsar 

Threatened Ecological Communities [ Resource Information ] 

For threatened ecological communities where the distribution is well known, maps are derived from 

recovery plans, State vegetation maps, remote sensing imagery and other sources. Where threatened 

ecological community distributions are less well known, existing vegetation maps and point location 

data are used to produce indicative distribution maps. 

Name 

Status 

Type of Presence 

Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Vine Thickets of Critically Endangered Community likely to





Name 

Eastern Australia 

White Box-Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy 

Woodland and Derived Native Grassland 

Status 

Critically Endangered 

Type of Presence 

occur within area 

Community may occur 

within area 

Threatened Species [ Resource Information ] 

Name Status Type of Presence 

BIRDS 

Anthochaera phrygia 

Regent Honeyeater [82338] Endangered Species or species 

habitat likely to occur 

within area 

Botaurus poiciloptilus 

Australasian Bittern [1001] Endangered Species or species 

habitat known to occur 

within area 

Dasyornis brachypterus 

Eastern Bristlebird [533] Endangered Species or species 


within area 

Diomedea exulans antipodensis 

Antipodean Albatross [82269] Vulnerable Species or species 

habitat may occur within 

area 

Diomedea exulans gibsoni 

Gibson's Albatross [82271] Vulnerable Species or species 


area 

Fregetta grallaria grallaria 

White-bellied Storm-Petrel (Tasman Sea), Whitebellied 

Storm-Petrel (Australasian) [64438] 

Vulnerable 

Species or species 


within area 

Lathamus discolor 

Swift Parrot [744] Endangered Species or species 


within area 

Macronectes giganteus 

Southern Giant-Petrel [1060] Endangered Species or species 


area 

Macronectes halli 

Northern Giant-Petrel [1061] Vulnerable Species or species 


area 

Pterodroma neglecta neglecta 

Kermadec Petrel (western) [64450] Vulnerable Species or species 


area 

Rostratula australis 

Australian Painted Snipe [77037] Vulnerable Species or species 


within area 

Sternula nereis nereis 

Fairy Tern (Australian) [82950] Vulnerable Species or species 


area 

Thalassarche bulleri 

Buller's Albatross [64460] Vulnerable Species or species 


area 

Thalassarche cauta cauta 

Shy Albatross, Tasmanian Shy Albatross [82345] Vulnerable Species or species 


area 

Thalassarche cauta salvini 

Salvin's Albatross [82343] Vulnerable Species or species 


area 

Thalassarche cauta steadi 

White-capped Albatross [82344] Vulnerable Species or species 

habitat may occur within


area 

Thalassarche melanophris impavida 

Campbell Albatross [82449] Vulnerable Species or species 


area 

FISH 

Epinephelus daemelii 

Black Rockcod, Black Cod, Saddled Rockcod 

[68449] 

Vulnerable 



within area 

FROGS 

Heleioporus australiacus 

Giant Burrowing Frog [1973] Vulnerable Species or species 


within area 

Litoria aurea 

Green and Golden Bell Frog [1870] Vulnerable Species or species 


area 

Litoria littlejohni 

Littlejohn's Tree Frog, Heath Frog [64733] Vulnerable Species or species 


area 

Mixophyes balbus 

Stuttering Frog, Southern Barred Frog (in Victoria) 

[1942] 

Vulnerable 



within area 

Mixophyes iteratus 

Giant Barred Frog, Southern Barred Frog [1944] Endangered Species or species 


within area 

MAMMALS 

Chalinolobus dwyeri 

Large-eared Pied Bat, Large Pied Bat [183] Vulnerable Species or species 


area 

Dasyurus maculatus maculatus (SE mainland population) 

Spot-tailed Quoll, Spotted-tail Quoll, Tiger Quoll 

(southeastern mainland population) [75184] 

Endangered 



area 

Eubalaena australis 

Southern Right Whale [40] Endangered Species or species 


within area 

Megaptera novaeangliae 

Humpback Whale [38] Vulnerable Species or species 


within area 

Petrogale penicillata 

Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby [225] Vulnerable Species or species 


within area 

Phascolarctos cinereus (combined populations of Qld, NSW and the ACT) 

Koala (combined populations of Queensland, New Vulnerable 

South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory) 

[85104] 



within area 

Potorous tridactylus tridactylus 

Long-nosed Potoroo (SE mainland) [66645] Vulnerable Species or species 


area 

Pseudomys novaehollandiae 

New Holland Mouse [96] Vulnerable Species or species 


within area 

Pteropus poliocephalus 

Grey-headed Flying-fox [186] Vulnerable Roosting known to occur 

within area 

PLANTS 

Acacia bynoeana 

Bynoe's Wattle, Tiny Wattle [8575] Vulnerable Species or species 


within area 

Angophora inopina 

Charmhaven Apple [64832] Vulnerable Species or species



within area 

Asterolasia elegans 

[56780] Endangered Species or species 


within area 

Caladenia tessellata 

Thick-lipped Spider-orchid, Daddy Long-legs 

[2119] 

Vulnerable 



within area 

Cryptostylis hunteriana 

Leafless Tongue-orchid [19533] Vulnerable Species or species 


area 

Diuris praecox 

Newcastle Doubletail [55086] Vulnerable Species or species 


within area 

Eucalyptus camfieldii 

Camfield's Stringybark [15460] Vulnerable Species or species 


within area 

Grevillea parviflora subsp. parviflora 

Small-flower Grevillea [64910] Vulnerable Species or species 


within area 

Melaleuca biconvexa 

Biconvex Paperbark [5583] Vulnerable Species or species 


within area 

Microtis angusii 

Angus's Onion Orchid [64530] Endangered Species or species 


within area 

Pelargonium sp. Striatellum (G.W.Carr 10345) 

Omeo Stork's-bill [84065] Endangered Species or species 


within area 

Pterostylis gibbosa 

Illawarra Greenhood, Rufa Greenhood, Pouched 

Greenhood [4562] 

Endangered 



area 

Rhizanthella slateri 

Eastern Underground Orchid [11768] Endangered Species or species 


area 

Syzygium paniculatum 

Magenta Lilly Pilly, Magenta Cherry, Pocket-less 

Brush Cherry, Scrub Cherry, Creek Lilly Pilly, 

Brush Cherry [20307] 

Vulnerable 



within area 

Tetratheca glandulosa 

Glandular Pink-bell [2350] Vulnerable Species or species 


area 

Tetratheca juncea 

Black-eyed Susan [21407] Vulnerable Species or species 


within area 

REPTILES 

Caretta caretta 

Loggerhead Turtle [1763] Endangered Species or species 


within area 

Chelonia mydas 

Green Turtle [1765] Vulnerable Species or species 


within area 

Dermochelys coriacea 

Leatherback Turtle, Leathery Turtle, Luth [1768] Endangered Species or species 


within area 

Eretmochelys imbricata 

Hawksbill Turtle [1766] Vulnerable Species or species 

habitat known to occur


within area 

Hoplocephalus bungaroides 

Broad-headed Snake [1182] Vulnerable Species or species 


within area 

Natator depressus 

Flatback Turtle [59257] Vulnerable Species or species 


within area 

SHARKS 

Carcharias taurus (east coast population) 

Grey Nurse Shark (east coast population) [68751] Critically Endangered Species or species 


area 

Carcharodon carcharias 

Great White Shark [64470] Vulnerable Species or species 


area 

Pristis zijsron 

Green Sawfish, Dindagubba, Narrowsnout Sawfish 

[68442] 

Vulnerable 



area 

Rhincodon typus 

Whale Shark [66680] Vulnerable Species or species 


area 

Migratory Species [ Resource Information ] 

* Species is listed under a different scientific name on the EPBC Act - Threatened Species list. 

Name Threatened Type of Presence 

Migratory Marine Birds 

Apus pacificus 

Fork-tailed Swift [678] 



area 

Ardea alba 

Great Egret, White Egret [59541] 

Breeding likely to occur 

within area 

Ardea ibis 

Cattle Egret [59542] 


within area 

Diomedea antipodensis 

Antipodean Albatross [64458] Vulnerable* Species or species 


area 

Diomedea gibsoni 

Gibson's Albatross [64466] Vulnerable* Species or species 


area 




area 




area 

Sterna albifrons 

Little Tern [813] 



area 




area 

Thalassarche cauta (sensu stricto) 

Shy Albatross, Tasmanian Shy Albatross [64697] Vulnerable* Species or species 


area 

Thalassarche impavida 

Campbell Albatross [64459] Vulnerable* Species or species 


area


Thalassarche salvini 

Salvin's Albatross [64463] Vulnerable* Species or species 


area 

Thalassarche steadi 

White-capped Albatross [64462] Vulnerable* Species or species 


area 

Migratory Marine Species 

Balaenoptera edeni 

Bryde's Whale [35] 



area 

Caperea marginata 

Pygmy Right Whale [39] 



area 

Carcharodon carcharias 

Great White Shark [64470] Vulnerable Species or species 


area 




within area 




within area 




within area 

Dugong dugon 

Dugong [28] 



area 




within area 




within area 

Lagenorhynchus obscurus 

Dusky Dolphin [43] 



area 

Lamna nasus 

Porbeagle, Mackerel Shark [83288] 



within area 




within area 




within area 

Orcinus orca 

Killer Whale, Orca [46] 



area 

Rhincodon typus 

Whale Shark [66680] Vulnerable Species or species 


area 

Migratory Terrestrial Species 

Haliaeetus leucogaster 

White-bellied Sea-Eagle [943] 



within area


Hirundapus caudacutus 

White-throated Needletail [682] 



area 

Merops ornatus 

Rainbow Bee-eater [670] 



area 

Monarcha melanopsis 

Black-faced Monarch [609] 



within area 

Myiagra cyanoleuca 

Satin Flycatcher [612] 


within area 

Rhipidura rufifrons 

Rufous Fantail [592] 

Breeding may occur 

within area 

Xanthomyza phrygia 

Regent Honeyeater [430] Endangered* Species or species 


within area 

Migratory Wetlands Species 

Ardea alba 



within area 

Ardea ibis 



within area 

Arenaria interpres 

Ruddy Turnstone [872] 



within area 

Calidris acuminata 

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper [874] 



within area 

Calidris canutus 

Red Knot, Knot [855] 



within area 

Calidris ferruginea 

Curlew Sandpiper [856] 



within area 

Calidris ruficollis 

Red-necked Stint [860] 



within area 

Charadrius bicinctus 

Double-banded Plover [895] 



within area 

Charadrius leschenaultii 

Greater Sand Plover, Large Sand Plover [877] 



within area 

Charadrius mongolus 

Lesser Sand Plover, Mongolian Plover [879] 



within area 

Gallinago hardwickii 

Latham's Snipe, Japanese Snipe [863] 



area 

Heteroscelus brevipes 

Grey-tailed Tattler [59311] 



within area 

Limicola falcinellus 

Broad-billed Sandpiper [842] 



within area


Limosa lapponica 

Bar-tailed Godwit [844] 



within area 

Numenius madagascariensis 

Eastern Curlew [847] 



within area 

Numenius phaeopus 

Whimbrel [849] 



within area 

Pluvialis fulva 

Pacific Golden Plover [25545] 



within area 

Rostratula benghalensis (sensu lato) 

Painted Snipe [889] Vulnerable* Species or species 


within area 

Tringa stagnatilis 

Marsh Sandpiper, Little Greenshank [833] 



within area 


Commonwealth Lands [ Resource Information ] 

The Commonwealth area listed below may indicate the presence of Commonwealth land in this 

vicinity. Due to the unreliability of the data source, all proposals should be checked as to whether it 

impacts on a Commonwealth area, before making a definitive decision. Contact the State or Territory 

government land department for further information. 

Name 

Commonwealth Land - 

Commonwealth Land - Australian Postal Commission 

Commonwealth Land - Australian Postal Corporation 

Commonwealth Land - Australian Telecommunications Commission 

Commonwealth Land - Commonwealth Trading Bank of Australia 

Commonwealth Land - Defence Service Homes Corporation 

Commonwealth Land - Director of War Service Homes 

Commonwealth Land - Telstra Corporation Limited 

Listed Marine Species [ Resource Information ] 

* Species is listed under a different scientific name on the EPBC Act - Threatened Species list. 


Birds 

Apus pacificus 

Fork-tailed Swift [678] 



area 

Ardea alba 



within area 

Ardea ibis 



within area 

Arenaria interpres 

Ruddy Turnstone [872] 



within area 

Calidris acuminata 

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper [874] 



within area 

Calidris canutus 

Red Knot, Knot [855] 



within area 

Calidris ferruginea 

Curlew Sandpiper [856] 

Species or species



within area 

Calidris ruficollis 

Red-necked Stint [860] 



within area 

Charadrius bicinctus 

Double-banded Plover [895] 



within area 

Charadrius leschenaultii 

Greater Sand Plover, Large Sand Plover [877] 



within area 

Charadrius mongolus 

Lesser Sand Plover, Mongolian Plover [879] 



within area 

Charadrius ruficapillus 

Red-capped Plover [881] 



within area 

Diomedea antipodensis 

Antipodean Albatross [64458] Vulnerable* Species or species 


area 

Diomedea gibsoni 

Gibson's Albatross [64466] Vulnerable* Species or species 


area 

Gallinago hardwickii 

Latham's Snipe, Japanese Snipe [863] 



area 

Haliaeetus leucogaster 

White-bellied Sea-Eagle [943] 



within area 

Heteroscelus brevipes 

Grey-tailed Tattler [59311] 



within area 

Himantopus himantopus 

Black-winged Stilt [870] 



within area 

Hirundapus caudacutus 

White-throated Needletail [682] 



area 

Lathamus discolor 

Swift Parrot [744] Endangered Species or species 


within area 

Limicola falcinellus 

Broad-billed Sandpiper [842] 



within area 

Limosa lapponica 

Bar-tailed Godwit [844] 



within area 




area 




area 

Merops ornatus 

Rainbow Bee-eater [670] 



area


Monarcha melanopsis 

Black-faced Monarch [609] 



within area 

Myiagra cyanoleuca 

Satin Flycatcher [612] 


within area 

Numenius madagascariensis 

Eastern Curlew [847] 



within area 

Numenius phaeopus 

Whimbrel [849] 



within area 

Pluvialis fulva 

Pacific Golden Plover [25545] 



within area 

Recurvirostra novaehollandiae 

Red-necked Avocet [871] 



within area 

Rhipidura rufifrons 

Rufous Fantail [592] 

Breeding may occur 

within area 

Rostratula benghalensis (sensu lato) 

Painted Snipe [889] Vulnerable* Species or species 


within area 

Sterna albifrons 

Little Tern [813] 



area 




area 

Thalassarche cauta (sensu stricto) 

Shy Albatross, Tasmanian Shy Albatross [64697] Vulnerable* Species or species 


area 

Thalassarche impavida 

Campbell Albatross [64459] Vulnerable* Species or species 


area 

Thalassarche salvini 

Salvin's Albatross [64463] Vulnerable* Species or species 


area 

Thalassarche steadi 

White-capped Albatross [64462] Vulnerable* Species or species 


area 

Tringa stagnatilis 

Marsh Sandpiper, Little Greenshank [833] 



within area 

Fish 

Acentronura tentaculata 

Shortpouch Pygmy Pipehorse [66187] 



area 

Festucalex cinctus 

Girdled Pipefish [66214] 



area 

Filicampus tigris 

Tiger Pipefish [66217] 



area 

Heraldia nocturna 

Upside-down Pipefish, Eastern Upside-down 

Pipefish, Eastern Upside-down Pipefish [66227] 


habitat may occur within


area 

Hippichthys penicillus 

Beady Pipefish, Steep-nosed Pipefish [66231] 



area 

Hippocampus abdominalis 

Bigbelly Seahorse, Eastern Potbelly Seahorse, New 

Zealand Potbelly Seahorse [66233] 



area 

Hippocampus whitei 

White's Seahorse, Crowned Seahorse, Sydney 

Seahorse [66240] 

Histiogamphelus briggsii 

Crested Pipefish, Briggs' Crested Pipefish, Briggs' 

Pipefish [66242] 

Lissocampus runa 

Javelin Pipefish [66251] 

Maroubra perserrata 

Sawtooth Pipefish [66252] 

Notiocampus ruber 

Red Pipefish [66265] 

Phyllopteryx taeniolatus 

Common Seadragon, Weedy Seadragon [66268] 

Solegnathus spinosissimus 

Spiny Pipehorse, Australian Spiny Pipehorse 

[66275] 

Solenostomus cyanopterus 

Robust Ghostpipefish, Blue-finned Ghost Pipefish, 

[66183] 

Solenostomus paegnius 

Rough-snout Ghost Pipefish [68425] 

Solenostomus paradoxus 

Ornate Ghostpipefish, Harlequin Ghost Pipefish, 

Ornate Ghost Pipefish [66184] 

Stigmatopora argus 

Spotted Pipefish, Gulf Pipefish [66276] 

Stigmatopora nigra 

Widebody Pipefish, Wide-bodied Pipefish, Black 


Syngnathoides biaculeatus 

Double-end Pipehorse, Double-ended Pipehorse, 

Alligator Pipefish [66279] 

Trachyrhamphus bicoarctatus 

Bentstick Pipefish, Bend Stick Pipefish, Shorttailed 


Urocampus carinirostris 

Hairy Pipefish [66282] 

Vanacampus margaritifer 

Mother-of-pearl Pipefish [66283] 

Mammals 



area 



area 



area 



area 



area 



area 



area 



area 



area 



area 



area 



area 



area 



area 



area 



area


Arctocephalus forsteri 

New Zealand Fur-seal [20] 



area 

Arctocephalus pusillus 

Australian Fur-seal, Australo-African Fur-seal 

[21] 



area 

Dugong dugon 

Dugong [28] 



area 

Reptiles 




within area 




within area 




within area 




within area 




within area 

Pelamis platurus 

Yellow-bellied Seasnake [1091] 



area 

Whales and other Cetaceans [ Resource Information ] 


Mammals 

Balaenoptera acutorostrata 

Minke Whale [33] 



area 

Balaenoptera edeni 

Bryde's Whale [35] 



area 

Caperea marginata 

Pygmy Right Whale [39] 



area 

Delphinus delphis 

Common Dophin, Short-beaked Common 

Dolphin [60] 



area 




within area 

Grampus griseus 

Risso's Dolphin, Grampus [64] 



area 

Lagenorhynchus obscurus 

Dusky Dolphin [43] 



area 




within area


Orcinus orca 

Killer Whale, Orca [46] 



area 

Stenella attenuata 

Spotted Dolphin, Pantropical Spotted Dolphin [51] 



area 

Tursiops aduncus 

Indian Ocean Bottlenose Dolphin, Spotted 

Bottlenose Dolphin [68418] 



within area 

Tursiops truncatus s. str. 

Bottlenose Dolphin [68417] 



area 


Places on the RNE [ Resource Information ] 

Note that not all Indigenous sites may be listed. 

Name 

Natural 

Glenrock Ornithological Area 

Awabakal Nature Reserve 

Fennell Bay Reserve (Public Reserve R 38237) 

Pulbah Island Nature Reserve 

Reserve R 81914 Tingira Heights Fossil Insect Beds 

Indigenous 

Swansea Heads Area 

Historic 

Burwood Colliery Managers residence and staff housing 

(former) 

Cottage 

Cottage 

Edgeworth Public School Buildings 

Hillsborough Canine Showground 

Little Pelican Cottages 

Morisset Showground 

Mulbring Valley Landscape Conservation Area 

Nissen Type Residence 

Ocean View Hotel 

Pensioners Hall 

Rathmines Seaplane Base (former) 

Residence 

The Bennals 

The Gables 

Toronto Railway Station and Masters Room 

Toronto to Fassifern Rail Corridor 

War Memorial 

Yarragee 

Cooranbong Post Office (former) 

Dobell House 

Lambton Colliery Structures and Buildings 

Public School 

Toronto Hotel 

State 

NSW 






























Status 

Indicative Place 

Registered 

Registered 

Registered 

Registered 





















Registered 

Registered 

Registered 

Registered 

Registered 

State and Territory Reserves [ Resource Information ] 

Name 

Awabakal 

Blue Gum Hills 

Glenrock 

Jilliby 


Munmorah 

State 






NSW

Name 

Pulbah Island 

Sugarloaf 

The Hunter Lakes 

Tingira Heights 

Wallarah 

Watagans 

State 







Regional Forest Agreements [ Resource Information ] 

Note that all areas with completed RFAs have been included. 

Name 

North East NSW RFA 

State 

New South Wales 

Invasive Species [ Resource Information ] 

Weeds reported here are the 20 species of national significance (WoNS), along with other introduced 

plants that are considered by the States and Territories to pose a particularly significant threat to 

biodiversity. The following feral animals are reported: Goat, Red Fox, Cat, Rabbit, Pig, Water Buffalo 

and Cane Toad. Maps from Landscape Health Project, National Land and Water Resouces Audit, 


Frogs 

Bufo marinus 

Cane Toad [1772] 



within area 

Mammals 

Felis catus 

Cat, House Cat, Domestic Cat [19] 



within area 

Oryctolagus cuniculus 

Rabbit, European Rabbit [128] 



within area 

Sus scrofa 

Pig [6] 



within area 

Vulpes vulpes 

Red Fox, Fox [18] 



within area 

Plants 

Alternanthera philoxeroides 

Alligator Weed [11620] 



within area 

Asparagus asparagoides 

Bridal Creeper, Bridal Veil Creeper, Smilax, 

Florist's Smilax, Smilax Asparagus [22473] 



within area 

Cabomba caroliniana 

Cabomba, Fanwort, Carolina Watershield, Fish 

Grass, Washington Grass, Watershield, Carolina 

Fanwort, Common Cabomba [5171] 

Chrysanthemoides monilifera 

Bitou Bush, Boneseed [18983] 

Genista sp. X Genista monspessulana 

Broom [67538] 

Lantana camara 

Lantana, Common Lantana, Kamara Lantana, 

Large-leaf Lantana, Pink Flowered Lantana, Red 

Flowered Lantana, Red-Flowered Sage, White 

Sage, Wild Sage [10892] 

Lycium ferocissimum 

African Boxthorn, Boxthorn [19235] 

Nassella neesiana 

Chilean Needle grass [67699] 



within area 



area 



area 



within area 



area 

Species or species



within area 

Pinus radiata 

Radiata Pine Monterey Pine, Insignis Pine, Wilding 

Pine [20780] 

Rubus fruticosus aggregate 

Blackberry, European Blackberry [68406] 

Salix spp. except S.babylonica, S.x calodendron & S.x reichardtii 

Willows except Weeping Willow, Pussy Willow and 

Sterile Pussy Willow [68497] 

Salvinia molesta 

Salvinia, Giant Salvinia, Aquarium Watermoss, 

Kariba Weed [13665] 

Ulex europaeus 

Gorse, Furze [7693] 



area 



within area 



within area 



within area 



within area 

Nationally Important Wetlands [ Resource Information ] 

Name 

Jewells Wetland 


State 



Caveat 

The information presented in this report has been provided by a range of data sources as 

acknowledged at the end of the report. 

This report is designed to assist in identifying the locations of places which may be relevant in 

determining obligations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It 

holds mapped locations of World Heritage and Register of National Estate properties, Wetlands of 

International Importance, Commonwealth and State/Territory reserves, listed threatened, migratory 

and marine species and listed threatened ecological communities. Mapping of Commonwealth land 

is not complete at this stage. Maps have been collated from a range of sources at various 

Not all species listed under the EPBC Act have been mapped (see below) and therefore a report is a 

general guide only. Where available data supports mapping, the type of presence that can be 

determined from the data is indicated in general terms. People using this information in making a 

referral may need to consider the qualifications below and may need to seek and consider other 





For species where the distributions are well known, maps are digitised from sources such as 

recovery plans and detailed habitat studies. Where appropriate, core breeding, foraging and roosting 

areas are indicated under 'type of presence'. For species whose distributions are less well known, 

point locations are collated from government wildlife authorities, museums, and non-government 

organisations; bioclimatic distribution models are generated and these validated by experts. In some 

cases, the distribution maps are based solely on expert knowledge. 

Only selected species covered by the following provisions of the EPBC Act have been mapped: 

- migratory and 

- marine 

The following species and ecological communities have not been mapped and do not appear in 

reports produced from this database: 

- threatened species listed as extinct or considered as vagrants 

- some species and ecological communities that have only recently been listed 

- some terrestrial species that overfly the Commonwealth marine area 

- migratory species that are very widespread, vagrant, or only occur in small numbers 

The following groups have been mapped, but may not cover the complete distribution of the species: 

- non-threatened seabirds which have only been mapped for recorded breeding sites 

- seals which have only been mapped for breeding sites near the Australian continent 

Such breeding sites may be important for the protection of the Commonwealth Marine environment. 

Acknowledgements 

This database has been compiled from a range of data sources. The department acknowledges the 

following custodians who have contributed valuable data and advice:

-Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, New South Wales 

-Department of Sustainability and Environment, Victoria 

-Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Tasmania 

-Department of Environment and Natural Resources, South Australia 

-Parks and Wildlife Service NT, NT Dept of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts 

-Environmental and Resource Management, Queensland 

-Department of Environment and Conservation, Western Australia 

-Department of the Environment, Climate Change, Energy and Water 

-Birds Australia 

-Australian Bird and Bat Banding Scheme 

-Australian National Wildlife Collection 

-Natural history museums of Australia 

-Museum Victoria 

-Australian Museum 

-SA Museum 

-Queensland Museum 

-Online Zoological Collections of Australian Museums 

-Queensland Herbarium 

-National Herbarium of NSW 

-Royal Botanic Gardens and National Herbarium of Victoria 

-Tasmanian Herbarium 

-State Herbarium of South Australia 

-Northern Territory Herbarium 

-Western Australian Herbarium 

-Australian National Herbarium, Atherton and Canberra 

-University of New England 

-Ocean Biogeographic Information System 

-Australian Government, Department of Defence 

-State Forests of NSW 

-Other groups and individuals 

The Department is extremely grateful to the many organisations and individuals who provided 

expert advice and information on numerous draft distributions. 

Please feel free to provide feedback via the Contact Us page. 

© Commonwealth of Australia 

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities 

GPO Box 787 

Canberra ACT 2601 Australia 

+61 2 6274 1111

Environment & Heritage | NSW BioNet 

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21/05/2012 

You are here: Home > Atlas search results 

Search results 

Download records Save species list View map 

Search criteria: Public Report of all Valid Records of Threatened (listed on TSC Act 1995) Animals in LAKE MACQUARIE LGA returned a total of 2,028 records of 77 species. 

Report generated on 21/05/2012 11:24 AM. 

Displaying 1-77 of 77 species below 

To map records for individual species, select up to 5 species then click "view map". 

To map all records, click on "view map" (without selecting any species first). 

Fauna 

Amphibia 

Myobatrachidae 

Common name Scientific name Map NSW Comm. No. of 

[ Clear all ] status status records 

Stuttering Frog ^Mixophyes balbus E1,P V 73 

Giant Barred Frog ^Mixophyes iteratus E1,P E 23 

Wallum Froglet Crinia tinnula V,P 29 

Red-crowned Toadlet Pseudophryne australis V,P 23 

Hylidae Green and Golden Bell Frog Litoria aurea E1,P V 2 

Green-thighed Frog Litoria brevipalmata V,P 3 

Littlejohn's Tree Frog Litoria littlejohni V,P V 14 

Reptilia 

Cheloniidae 

Loggerhead Turtle Caretta caretta E1,P E 3 

Green Turtle Chelonia mydas V,P V 96

Environment & Heritage | NSW BioNet 

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/atlaspublicapp/UI_Modules/ATLAS_/atlasreport... 


21/05/2012 

You are here: Home > Atlas search results 

Search results 

Download records Save species list View map 

Search criteria: Public Report of all Valid Records of Threatened (listed on TSC Act 1995) Plants in LAKE MACQUARIE LGA returned a total of 3,564 records of 22 species. 

Report generated on 21/05/2012 11:25 AM. 

Displaying 1-22 of 22 species below 

To map records for individual species, select up to 5 species then click "view map". 

To map all records, click on "view map" (without selecting any species first). 

Flora 

Flora 

Apocynaceae 

Common name Scientific name Map NSW Comm. No. of 

[ Clear all ] status status records 

White-flowered Wax Plant Cynanchum elegans E1,P E 2 

Asteraceae Heath Wrinklewort Rutidosis heterogama V,P V 3 

Coast Groundsel Senecio spathulatus E1,P 1 

Elaeocarpaceae Tetratheca glandulosa V,P V 1 

Black-eyed Susan Tetratheca juncea V,P V 2261 

Ericaceae Epacris purpurascens var. 

V,P 1 

purpurascens 

Euphorbiaceae Sand Spurge Chamaesyce psammogeton E1,P 1 

Fabaceae 

(Faboideae) 

Fabaceae 

(Mimosoideae) 

Coast Headland Pea Pultenaea maritima V,P 6 

Bynoe's Wattle Acacia bynoeana E1,P V 70

ITEM NAME LOCATION SUBURB LGA SHR SHI # 

Minto (Bow Bowing Ck) Underbridge 

Liverpool to Campbelltown 

47.162km Piggott Way 

Minto 

Campbelltown 

4805745 

Miranda Railway Station Group Kiora Road Miranda Sutherland 4801922 

Mittagong Railway Precinct Station Street Mittagong Wingecarribee Y 4801288 

Moree Railway Station Morton Street Moree Moree Plains Y 4801208 

Morisset Railway Station Group and Residences Dora Street Morisset Lake Macquarie 4801056 

Mortdale Railway Station Group Pitt Street Mortdale Kogarah Y 4801115 

Mortuary Railway Station and Gardens Regent Street Chippendale Sydney Y 4803219 

Moss Vale Railway Precinct Lackey Street Moss Vale Wingecarribee Y 4806253 

Mount Ku-ring-gai Railway Station Group Pacific Highway Mount Kuring-gai Ku-Ring-Gai 4801923 

Mount Victoria Railway Station Group Station Street Mount Victoria Blue Mountains Y 4801007 

Mulgrave Railway Residence 122 Mulgrave Road Mulgrave Hawkesbury 4801027 

Murrurundi Railway Station Victoria Street Murrurundi Upper Hunter Y 4801192 

Museum Railway Station 3 Elizabeth Street Sydney Sydney Y 4801092 

Muswellbrook Railway Precinct Market Street Muswellbrook Muswellbrook Y 4806182 

Nambucca Heads Railway Station Foxs Road Nambucca Heads Nambucca 4805725 

Narrabri Railway Station Bowen Street Narrabri Narrabri 4801198 

Narrandera Railway Precinct Whitton St (Newell Highway) Narrandera Narrandera Y 4806262 

Narwee Railway Station Group Hannans Road Narwee Canterbury 4801924 

Newcastle Railway Station Group 110 Scott Street Newcastle Newcastle Y 4801028 

Newne’s Junction Signal Box Newne’s Junction Newne’s Junction Lithgow 4807638 

Newtown Pedestrian Railway Subway 

Newtown Railway Station Group and Former Tram 

Depot 

Between Trafalgar & Bedford 

Street 

Newtown 

Marrickville 

King Street Newtown Sydney 

4800225 

Y 4801093 

North Strathfield Railway Station Group Queen Street North Strathfield Canada Bay 4801029 

North Sydney (Arthur Street) Railway Underbridge 

Concrete Arch Over Arthur Street, 

North Sydney 

North Sydney 

North Sydney 

Y 4801824 

RAILCORP S170 HERITAGE AND CONSERVATION REGISTER 

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Statutory Listed Items 

Information and items listed in the State Heritage Inventory come from a number of sources. This means that there may be several entries for the same heritage item in the 

database. For clarity, the search results have been divided into two sections. 

• Section 1. contains items listed by the Heritage Council under the NSW Heritage Act. This includes listing on the State Heritage Register, an Interim Heritage Order 

or protected under section 136 of the NSW Heritage Act. This information is provided by the Heritage Branch. 

• Section 2. contains items listed by Local Councils & Shires and State Government Agencies. This section may also contain additional information on some of the 

items listed in the first section. 

Section 1. Items listed under the NSW Heritage Act. 

Click on an item name to view the full details. 

The search results can be re-sorted by clicking on the (sort) option at the top of each column. 

Item Name (sort) Address (sort) Suburb (sort) LGA (sort) Listed Under Heritage Act 

Morisset Hospital Precinct Morisset Park Road Morisset Lake Macquarie Yes 

There was 1 record in this section matching your search criteria. 

Section 2. Items listed by Local Government and State agencies. 

Item Name (sort) Address (sort) Suburb (sort) LGA (sort) Information Source (sort) 

Chapel Morisset Lake Macquarie SGOV 

Cottage Row Morisset Lake Macquarie SGOV 

DD Admin and Sewing Room Morisset Lake Macquarie SGOV 

Education Centre and Ward 15 Morisset Lake Macquarie SGOV 

Landscape Morisset Lake Macquarie SGOV 

Medical Records/Ambulance Training/Psych. Rehab Morisset Lake Macquarie SGOV 

Morisset High School 33 Bridge Street Morisset Lake Macquarie LGOV 

Morisset Hospital - Cottage Row Residences 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 

21 

Morisset Hospital - Maximum Security Division 

Morisset Hospital - Recreation Hall 

Morisset Hospital - Residence No 1 

Morisset Hospital - Residence No 3 

Morisset Hospital - The Chapel 

Morisset Hospital - The Main Store 

Morisset Hospital - Ward 10 

Morisset Hospital - Ward 12 

Morisset Hospital - Ward 17, General Psychiatry 

Morisset Hospital - Ward 9, Clinical Department 

Morisset Hospital - Wards 5 and 6 

Morisset Hospital - Water Supply Dam, Pourmalong Creek 

entrance road off Macquarie 

Street 


Street 


Street 


Street 


Street 


Street 


Street 


Street 


Street 


Street 


Street 


Street 


Street 

Morisset Lake Macquarie LGOV 













Morisset Railway Station Group and Residences Dora Street Morisset Lake Macquarie SGOV 

Nurses Home No. 1 Morisset Lake Macquarie SGOV 

Residence 1 & 3 Morisset Lake Macquarie SGOV 

Residence 2A and 2B Morisset Lake Macquarie SGOV 

Residence 4 & 5 Morisset Lake Macquarie SGOV 

Staff Dining and Recreation Hall Morisset Lake Macquarie SGOV 

Stationmaster’s House 58 Dora Street Morisset Lake Macquarie LGOV 

Tradesmen's building Morisset Lake Macquarie SGOV 

Tree - Morisset’s Campsite 147 Macquarie Street Morisset Lake Macquarie LGOV 

Ward 11 Morisset Lake Macquarie SGOV 




Ward 17 Morisset Lake Macquarie SGOV

Heritage Branch Website - Online Database 

http://www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/07_subnav_01_1.cfm 


21/05/2012 


There were 35 records in this section matching your search criteria. 

There was a total of 36 records matching your search criteria. 

Key: 

LGA = Local Government Area 

GAZ= NSW Government Gazette (statutory listings prior to 1997), HGA = Heritage Grant Application, HS = Heritage Study, LGOV = Local Government, SGOV = State Government Agency. 

Note: The Heritage Branch seeks to keep the State Heritage Inventory (SHI) up to date, however the latest listings in Local and Regional Environmental Plans (LEPs and REPs) may not yet be included. Always check with the 

relevant Local Council or Shire for the most recent listings. 

NSW Government 

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Summary of Estimated RF EME Levels around the Proposed 

RailCorp DTRS Site at Morisset 4, NSW 2264 

Document No. DTRS-R-268-EM-0001_A 

Introduction: Date 02/05/2012 Site No (268) 

This report summarises the estimated maximum cumulative radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic energy (EME) levels at 

ground level emitted from the proposed RailCorp DTRS Site at Morisset 4 NSW 2264. Maximum EME levels are estimated in 

360° circular bands out to 500m from the base station. The procedures for making the estimates have been developed by the 

Australian Radiation Protection And Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) 1 . These are documented in the ARPANSA Technical 

Report; “Radio Frequency EME Exposure Levels - Prediction Methodologies” which is available at http://www.arpansa.gov.au 

EME Health Standard 

ARPANSA, an Australian Government agency in the Health and Ageing portfolio has established a Radiation Protection 

Standard 2 specifying limits for continuous exposure of the general public to RF transmissions at frequencies used by mobile 

phone base stations. Further information can be gained from the ARPANSA web site. 

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) 3 mandates exposure limits for continuous exposure of the 

general public to RF EME from mobile phone base stations. Further information can be found at the ACMA website 

http://emr.acma.gov.au 

Proposed Site Radio Systems 

DTRS 1800 - RailCorp 

Table of Predicted EME Levels – Proposed 

Distance from the antennas at Morisset 4 

in 360° circular bands 

0m to 50m 

50m to 100m 

100m to 200m 

200m to 300m 

300m to 400m 

400m to 500m 

Maximum Cumulative EME Level – All carriers at this site 

(% of ARPANSA exposure limits 2 ) 

Public exposure limit = 100% 

0.0047% 

0.078% 

0.067% 

0.017% 

0.0077% 

0.0044% 

Released 

By: JM 


Date: 10/05/2012 Reviewers: PD 

Maximum EME level 

89.19 m, from the antennas at Morisset 4 0.078% 

Table: Estimation for the maximum level of RF EME at 1.5m above the ground from the proposed antennas assuming level ground. The 

estimated levels have been calculated on the maximum capacity anticipated for this site. This estimation does not include possible radio signal 

attenuation due to buildings and the general environment. The actual EME levels will generally be significantly less than predicted due to path 

losses and the base station automatically minimising transmitter power to only serve established phone calls 4 . Where applicable, particular 

locations of interest in the area surrounding the base station, including topographical variations, are assessed in Appendix A “ Other areas of 

Interest” table on the last page. 

Summary – Proposed Radio Systems 

RF EME levels have been estimated from the proposed antennas at Morisset 4 NSW 2264. The maximum cumulative EME 

level at 1.5 m above ground level is estimated to be 0.078 % of the ARPANSA public exposure limits. 

Environmental EME report (2007 ARPANSA Format) Page 1 of 3

Existing Site Radio Systems 

There are currently no existing radio systems for this site. 

Reference Notes: 

1. The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) is a Federal Government agency incorporated under 

the Health and Ageing portfolio. ARPANSA is charged with responsibility for protecting the health and safety of people, and the 

environment, from the harmful effects of radiation (ionising and non-ionising). 

2. Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), 2002, ‘Radiation Protection Standard: Maximum Exposure 

Levels to Radiofrequency Fields — 3 kHz to 300 GHz’, Radiation Protection Series Publication No. 3, ARPANSA, Yallambie Australia. 

[Printed version: ISBN 0-642-79400-6 ISSN 1445-9760] 

[Web version: ISBN 0-642-79402-2 ISSN 1445-9760] 

3. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is responsible for the regulation of broadcasting, 

radiocommunications, telecommunications and online content. Information on EME is available at http://emr.acma.gov.au/ 

4. The EME predictions in this report assume a near worst-case scenario including: 

- base station transmitters operating at maximum power (no automatic power reduction) 

- simultaneous telephone calls on all channels 

- an unobstructed line of sight view to the antennas. 

In practice a worst-case scenario is rarely the case. There are often trees and buildings in the immediate vicinity, and cellular 

networks automatically adjust transmit power to suit the actual telephone traffic. The level of EME may also be affected where 

significant landscape features are present and predicted EME levels might not be the absolute maximum at all locations. 

5. Further explanation of this report may be found in “Understanding the ARPANSA Environmental EME Report” and other documents 

on the ARPANSA web site, http://www.arpansa.gov.au 

Qualified NATA EME Signatory: 

Name: Brendon Woods 

Signature: 

NATA Endorsed Inspection Report 

Accreditation No 18593 

This document is issued in 

accordance with NATA’s accreditation 

requirements. 

Accreditation for compliance with 

ISO/IEC 17020 

Company: UGL Infrastructure 

Designation: EME Design Manager 

Date: 02/05/2012 

Address: 28 Clayton Road, Clayton North, VIC 3168 

Phone: (03) 9239 4100 

Issued by: UGL, Data reference file – NSW 2264 - 20120502152046 


Table of Other Areas of Interest 

Additional Locations 

Nil 

Appendix A 

Height / Scan 

relative to location 

ground level 

Maximum Cumulative EME Level 

All Carriers at this site 

(% of ARPANSA exposure limits 2 ) 

Public exposure limit = 100% 

Table: Estimation for the maximum EME levels at selected areas of interest over a height range relative to the specific ground level 

at the area of interest. This table includes any existing and proposed radio systems. 

Estimation Notes / Assumptions – Other Areas of Interest 

Variable ground topography has been included in the assessment of the “Other Areas of Interest” as per ARPANSA methodology

Review of Environmental Factors (pdf 2.9MB) - Transport for NSW ...

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