Public exhibition of the review of environmental factors (REF) provides an important opportunity for members of the community to have a say in relation to this activity proposed by Telstra.
Downer on behalf of Telstra (the mobile service provider) have submitted a REF for a proposed new telecommunications facility at Lot 20/DP752018 at 326 Wattamolla Road, Wattamolla NSW 2232 in Royal National Park. This proposal is for a greenfield site (no existing infrastructure at this location). The facility will involve the installation of:
- a 20 m monopole
- 1 x omni antenna on top of the monopole (overall height 21.8m)
- 12 m x 10 m compound area
- 2 x oneweb satellite antennas at the base of the monopole
- 15 x solar panels to power the site
- ancillary equipment.
The proposal would be partly funded by the Federal Government's national Mobile Black Spot Program. The Mobile Black Spot Program aims to provide new and upgraded access to many remote areas across Australia. The expansion aims to ensure that upgraded mobile voice and internet network access is provided to benefit employees, residents, and visitors of Royal National Park.
Purpose of a review of environmental factors
A REF is used to document the environmental impact assessment of proposed activities on lands managed by National Parks and Wildlife Service, part of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. It examines the significance of likely environmental impacts of the proposal and measures required to avoid, minimise and mitigate adverse impacts to the environment.
Telstra are the proponent and National Parks and Wildlife Service is the determining authority for this activity under Part 5 (Division 5.1) of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. The REF will assist the determining authority to decide whether an activity should be approved and assists in the development of appropriate conditions should approval be given.
Opportunities for the community to comment
The Review of Environmental Factors is on public exhibition until 22 August 2024, and anyone can review this document and provide comments.
Next steps
At the end of the public exhibition period on 22 August 2024, National Parks and Wildlife Service will review all submissions, prepare a submissions report and if necessary, request further information from the proponent.
National Parks and Wildlife Service will determine the REF, based on its review of the documents and the information provided in submissions. If the determination recommends that the activity may proceed, approval will be issued under s.153D of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.
More information about the proposal
To find out more about the proposal, contact the Royal Area Office:
- By mail or in person – 159 Farnell Ave Audley
- By phone – 02 9542 0632
For further information on the Mobile Black Spot Program:
- Visit the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts Mobile Black Spot Program webpage.
- Call 1800 075 001.
Printed copy of review of environmental factors
Hard copies are available for viewing at:
Royal National Park Visitor Centre
2 Lady Carrington Dr
Royal National Park NSW
(8:30am – 4:30pm)
Copies of the document can be requested from National Parks and Wildlife Service by:
- phone on 9542 0632
- post to
PO Box 144
Sutherland NSW 1499.
How to comment on the review of environmental factors
Public exhibition of the REF is until 22 August 2024. You are invited to comment on the REF before this date.
While all submissions count, they are most effective when we understand your ideas and the outcomes you want for park management. Some suggestions to help you write your submission are:
- Write clearly and be specific about the issues of concern to you.
- Note which part or section of the REF or attachments your comments relate to.
- Give reasoning in support of your points – this makes it easier for us to consider your ideas and helps avoid misinterpretation.
- Tell us specifically what you agree/disagree with and why.
Your comments will be used to assess the likelihood of the proposed activity causing a significant impact.
Your privacy
Your comments on the REF may include 'personal information'. The department complies with the NSW Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 which regulates the collection, storage, quality, use and disclosure of personal information. For details see our privacy page. The inclusion of personal information with your submission is voluntary but information that in some way identifies you may be gathered when you use our website or send us an email.
The content of individual submissions may be shown to the proponent in cases where it may assist in determining the REF. A summary of issues raised in public submissions may be made publicly available during and after a determination has been made. If you wish your identity and personal information in your submission to be treated as confidential you must request your name be treated as confidential, and not include any of your personal information in the main text of the submission or attachments so that it can be easily removed.
If an application to access information under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 requests access to your submission, your views about the release will be sought if you have indicated that you object to your submission being made public.
Have your say
Public exhibition is from 25 July to 22 August 2024.
You can provide your written submission in any of the following ways:
- Make a submission online by using the online form below.
- Email your submission to: npws.royal@environment.nsw.gov.au
- Post your written submission to –
National Parks and Wildlife Service
PO Box 144, Sutherland NSW 1499
The information you provide in this form will only be used for the purpose for which it was collected. By submitting, you consent to storage, use, and disclosure of your personal information in accordance with our privacy policy. You can request access and amendment of your personal information.
