Digital Train Radio System - Transport for NSW

Transportfor NSWDigital Train Radio SystemKatoomba 2 ProjectDetermination ReportTransport Projects DivisionDate April 2013Status FinalAuthor TfNSWRef. no. 2409833

I Transponlfor NSWIlAI(A'MEAZ TKUJEU¡DETERMINATON REPORT1 Introduction1.1 BackgroundTransport for NSW (TfNSW) is responsible for improving the customer experience oftransport services, transport policy and regulation, planning and program administration,,procuring transport serv¡ces,'and infrastructure and freight.'The Katoomba2 Base Transceiver Station is one of approximately 260 radio facilitieswhich will be constructed as part of the Digital Train Radio System (DTRS) to provideenhanced, efficient and reliable train communication.1.2 Katoomba 2 Project Review of Environmental FactorsTfNSW, as the proponent for the Proposed Activity, undertook the preparation of anREF, which details the scope of works and environmental impacts associated with theproposal (Appendix 1).The REF was prepared in accordance with tFe Environmental Planning andAssessmentAct1979(theEP&AAct)andclause228oÍtheEnvironmentalPlanningand Asses sment Regulation 2000.1.3 Purpose of this Determination ReportPrior to proceeding with the Proposed Activity, the Director-General of TÍNSW (or hisdelegate) must make a determination in accordance with the EP&A Act.The objectives of this Determination Report are to:. assess the environmental impacts with respect to the Proposed Activity, which areIdetailed in the environmental. impact assessmento identify mitigation measures to minimise potentia! environmental impactso determine whether potential environmental impacts are likely to be significant¡ address whether the provisions of the Commonwealth Environment Protection &Biodiversity Conseruation Act f 999 (EPBC Act) applies to the Proposed Activity.2 ConsultationConsultation about the REF was carried out between 14 March and 9 April 2013(inclusive), Letters were sent to approximately 60 premises, including retail andresidential premises, located within a 500 metre radius of the proposed location. Nearbyresidents, the school and daycare centre were doorknocked.The REF was published on the Transport for NSW website where an online feedbackform was also available. Blue Mountains CiÇ Council was notified about the DTRSproposal for Katoomba 2 as was the member fór the state electorate of Blue MountainsNo submissions were received about the proposed DTRS site at Katoomba 2.

lTnnsportlfor NSWI(ATOOMBA2 PROJECÍDETERMINATTON REPORTBoth the final REF and determination report for the Katoomba 2 DTRS site are publiclyavailable on the Transport for NSW website.3 Consideration of Environmental lmpactsThe REF and Determination Report have been examined and considered, as follows:Environ mental Plannl ng and Asses sment Act I 979The REF addresses the requirements of section 111 oÍ the EP&A Act. ln consideringthe Proposed Activity, all matters affecting or likely to affect the environment areaddressed in the REF and the Determination Report and associated documentation.ln accordance with the checklist of matters contained in clause 228 of theEnvironmental Planning and Assessment Regulafibns 2000.The likely significance of the environmental impacts of the Proposed Activity have beenassessed in accordance with the Department of Planning's best practice guideline '/s anE/S Reguired?' and is not likely to significantly affect the environment (including criticalhabitat) or threatened species, populations of ecological communities, or their habitats.Environment Protection and Biodivercity Conseruation Act 1999As part of the consideration of the Proposed Activity, all matters ofnationalenvironmental significance and any impacts on Commonwealth land for thepurposes of the EPBC Act have been assessed. A summary of this is provided in theREF.It is considered that the Proposed Activity described in the REF is not likely to have asignificant impact on any Commonwealth land and is not likely to have a significantimpact on any NES matters.Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997The REF notes that the work will be undertaken in accordance with EnvironmentalProtection Licence (EPL) 12208. Following the transfer of management and control ofthe DTRS program from RailCorp to TfNSW it has since been confirmed that the worksdo not require an EPL.4 Conditions of Approvallf approved, the Proposed Activity will be allowed to proceed subject to compliance withthe Conditions of Approval included in Appendlx2 of the Determination Report.5 ConclusionHaving regard to the assessments in the REF it is concluded that the Proposed Activityis not likely to significantly affect the environment (including critical habitat) orthreatened species, populations of ecological communities, or their habitats.Additionally, the proposed conditions of approval within this Determination Report would

lTransportlûor NSWKAÏOOMBA2 PROJEGTDETERMINATION REPORTfurther strengthen the mitigation and management of key impacts of the ProposedActivity.It is also considered that the Proposed Activity does not trigger the approval regimeunder Part 3 of the EPBG Act.ln considering the environmental impacts, proposed mitigation and broader projectbenefits it is recommended that the Proposed Activity be approved. The approvalshould be subject to the mitigation measures within the Environmental lmpactAssessment (nÊÐ and the Coñd¡t¡ons of Approval contained in this DeterminationReport.iI

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTDigital Train Radio System - Katoomba 2 ProjectREVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND DETERMINATION REPORTAPPROVALl, DAVID GAINSFORD, as delegate for the Director General, Transport for NSW:1. Have examined and considered the Proposed Activity in the Katoomba 2 ProjectReview of Environmental Factors and Katoomba 2 Project Determination Report inaccordance with section 11'l oÍ the Environmental Planning andAssessment Act1979.2. Determine on behalf of Transport for NSW (the Proponent) that theProposed Activity may be carried out in accordance with the Conditions of Approvalin the Determination Report, consistent with the proposal described in theKatoomba 2 Review of Environmental Fastors.Technical Director, Planning and Environment ServicesTransport for NSWDate: t1/+/t3