Helensburgh Tunnel REF - Transport for NSW - NSW Government

Digital Train Radio System
Helensburgh Tunnel Site
Review of Environmental Factors
May 2013
Released
By: JM
UGL
Date: 21/05/2013 Reviewers: JM,JM,JM,JM
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary .................................................................................................................... 4
1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 7
1.1 Background to the Project ........................................................................................ 7
1.2 Background to the Helensburgh Tunnel site ............................................................ 8
1.3 Location and Land Use ............................................................................................. 8
1.4 Consultation ............................................................................................................ 12
2 Statutory Position and Requirements ........................................................................... 14
2.1 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 ............................................... 14
2.2 State Environmental Planning Policy (Infrastructure) 2007 .................................... 15
2.3 Confirmation of Statutory Position .......................................................................... 15
2.4 Other Relevant Environmental Planning Instruments ............................................. 16
2.5 Other NSW Legislation ........................................................................................... 17
2.6 Commonwealth Legislation ..................................................................................... 19
2.7 Ecologically Sustainable Development ................................................................... 20
2.8 Other Guidelines ..................................................................................................... 22
2.9 Licences and Approvals .......................................................................................... 22
3 Description of the Proposal ........................................................................................... 23
3.1 Scope of Proposed Works ...................................................................................... 23
3.2 Construction Methodology ...................................................................................... 26
3.3 Timing and Costing ................................................................................................. 27
3.4 Alternatives to the DTRS ........................................................................................ 28
3.5 Alternatives to the Helensburgh Tunnel site ........................................................... 29
3.6 Justification of the Preferred Option ....................................................................... 31
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 ................................................................................................. 38
4.6 Heritage .................................................................................................................. 43
4.7 Waste ...................................................................................................................... 44
4.8 Contaminated Land ................................................................................................. 45
4.9 Hazardous Materials ............................................................................................... 46
4.10 Visual Aesthetics and Urban Design ...................................................................... 47
4.11 Land Use ................................................................................................................. 51
4.12 Socio-Economic Effects .......................................................................................... 51
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4.13 Electromagnetic Energy (EME) .............................................................................. 52
4.14 Traffic and Access .................................................................................................. 53
4.15 Utilities and Services ............................................................................................... 54
4.16 Light spill ................................................................................................................. 54
4.17 Demand on Resources ........................................................................................... 55
4.18 Cumulative Environmental Effects .......................................................................... 55
4.19 Consideration of Clause 228 of EP&A Regulations and EPBC Act ....................... 56
4.20 Summary of Control Measures ............................................................................... 60
4.21 Implementation Process ......................................................................................... 67
5 References ....................................................................................................................... 68
Appendix 1: Principles from the Telecommunications Facilities Guidelines ..................... 69
Appendix 2: Design Plans ........................................................................................................ 76
Appendix 3: Database Searches .............................................................................................. 77
Appendix 4: Electro- Magnetic Energy (EME) Reports.......................................................... 78
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Executive Summary
Need for the Proposal
Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) 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 TfNSW 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. 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 across the 1455 kilometre electrified rail network.
The DTRS 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 Helensburgh Tunnel distributed base station (DBS) comprises three sites (Outdoor
Locations 1 – 3 inclusive, hereafter referred to as Outdoor Location 1, Outdoor Location 2, and
Outdoor Location 3) that will be installed on relatively level ground in cleared, grassy areas
within the rail corridor of the South Coast Line. Helensburgh Station is about 670 metres
southwest of the proposed Outdoor Location 1 site.
The proposed work will involve the elements listed below.
• A new 20 metre tall steel monopole with a bored pile foundation at Outdoor Location 1. 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.
• A new 10 metre tall mast at both Outdoor Location 2 and Outdoor Location 3.
• Two Argus panel antennas mounted onto the monopole at Outdoor Location 1, situated at
a height of 19 metres. Two Yagi antennas mounted on to the mast at Outdoor Location 2
and one Yagi antenna mounted to the mast at Outdoor Location 3, both situated at a height
of 9.5 metres. The antennas will be mounted while the pole and masts are on the ground.
• One aboveground DBS cabinet installed at each Outdoor Locations, which will contain all
necessary radio frequency equipment (about 880 millimetres wide, 1000 millimetres long
and 1700 millimetres tall) and one power equipment. Cabinets will be installed on a
concrete slab close to the monopole and mast locations.
• Conduit feeder cables to connect to the power and fibre supply, installed into new trenches
or new and existing galvanized steel trough (GST).
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• Leaky feeder installation along the length of the Helensburgh Tunnel.
• 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 TfNSW to consider the environmental impacts of the
proposal.
This Review of Environmental Factors (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 (EP&A
Regulation) 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 identifies that, subject to the implementation of mitigation measures, potential
environmental impacts can be controlled and reduced to acceptable levels and would not
significantly affect the environment.
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 program wide
Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) and site specific Environmental Control
Map (ECM).
In the long term, a new monopole and masts will be introduced into the visual landscape. The
monopole and its antennas will not be bulky and will be 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).
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Environmental Management
Following determination of the project, construction works will be undertaken in accordance with
the program wide CEMP and site specific ECM. The CEMP and ECM 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)
The Environmental Management Plan for DTRS (UGL Infrastructure, 2010)
TfNSW Guide to Environmental Control Map (2012).
The following sub-plans are proposed in the REF and will be prepared concurrently with the
CEMP and/or ECM as appropriate:
Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
Water Management Plan
Waste Management Plan
Traffic Management Plan
The program wide CEMP has been approved by TfNSW. The site specific ECM will be
reviewed and approved by TfNSW prior to the commencement of construction.
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1 Introduction
1.1 Background to the Project
TfNSW 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 TfNSW 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 regarding communications in NSW rail operations and within RailCorp.
Following the establishment of TfNSW, RailCorp became an operating agency within TfNSW.
TfNSW is now the proponent for the DTRS.
The primary objectives of the DTRS project are to:
Provide continuous radio coverage across the entire electrified rail network
Replace and improve on the current MetroNet communications system
Provide a technology platform for future development of the Automatic Train Protection
system
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
electrified rail network, including along approximately 70 kilometres of tunnel, 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 base transceiver stations (BTS) as well as other base stations in tunnels
Approximately 65 dispatcher terminal units
Capability to provide staff with handheld terminals.
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The DTRS will provide continuous radio coverage across the entire electrified rail network for
on-train 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 Helensburgh Tunnel site
The proposed distributed base station (DBS) at Helensburgh Tunnel is part of the DTRS that is
being developed across the electrified rail network. The proposal at Helensburgh Tunnel is for a
new DBS comprising three locations, Outdoor Location 1, Location 2, and Location 3, which will
provide coverage along a section of track between the adjacent Helensburgh BTS site and the
Metropolitan DBS site on the South Coast Line, including coverage through the Helensburgh
Tunnel.
The Helensburgh Tunnel site is one of about 250 radio facilities which will provide an enhanced,
efficient and reliable communication system for the electrified railway network.
1.3 Location and Land Use
Site Name
Helensburgh Tunnel
Street Address In the rail corridor, Helensburgh, NSW 2508
Property Description
South Coast Line
Railway Line
South Coast Line
Chainage Outdoor Location 1
Near SW47+180
Outdoor Location 2
Near SW47+575
Outdoor Location 3
Near SW48+160
Site Co-ordinates
Reference system: GDA94
Outdoor Location 1
Latitude: -34.17282
Longitude: 151.00128
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Outdoor Location 2
Latitude: -34.174102
Longitude: 151.004980
Outdoor Location 3
Latitude: -34.177860
Longitude: 151.009003
Local Government Area
Wollongong
NSW State Electorate
Heathcote
Catchment
Small unnamed tributary, forms part of the Hacking River
Catchment
Nearest Railway Station
Helensburgh
Outdoor Location 1 will be located on the southern side of the rail corridor about 670 metres
north-east of Helensburgh Station (refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2). The site is on generally level
ground in a cleared, grass and gravel area approximately seven metres from the railway line.
Outdoor Location 2 will be located on the southwest side of the rail corridor about 910 metres
east northeast of Helensburgh Station (refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2). The site is on generally
level ground in a cleared, grass and gravel area approximately six metres from the railway line.
Outdoor Location 3 will be located on the eastern side of the rail corridor about 1.25 kilometres
east of Helensburgh Station (refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2). The site is on generally level
ground in a cleared, grass and gravel area approximately eight metres from the railway line.
The sites are within the Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) and the proposed works will
be undertaken on land in Zone SP2 – Infrastructure.
The section of rail corridor at the proposed Helensburgh Tunnel DBS sites are surrounded by
the Royal National Park situated northeast and east of the predominantly residential township of
Helensburgh. Notable features surrounding the proposed sites are listed below.
• The Royal National Park, approximately 25 metres away, borders the rail corridor to the
north, east and west of Outdoor Location 1, to the north and east of Outdoor Location 2
and to the north, east and south of Outdoor Location 3.
• Helensburgh Waste Disposal Depot is located further to the south, southwest and west of
Outdoor Location 1, Location 2, and Location 3, respectively.
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• Residential properties are located beyond the Helensburgh Waste Disposal Depot with the
nearest residential receiver located on Gardiner Place 500 metres southwest from Outdoor
Location 1.
• There are no child care centres, aged care facilities, schools or hospitals within 500 metres
of the proposed sites.
There is adequate vehicle and plant access to Outdoor Location 1 and Outdoor Location 2 via
existing railway gates and a sealed road off Gardiner Place. Access to Outdoor Location 3 will
be via an unsealed track off Nixon Place and is suitable for construction vehicle access.
The Royal National Park is listed as registered on the National Heritage List and Garawarra
State Conservation Area is listed as an indicative place on the Register of National Estate.
There are no restrictions for the Register of the National Estate places, as the register is now a
non-statutory archive.
The Royal National Park borders the rail corridor within close proximity to all three proposed
Outdoor Locations. Helensburgh Railway Station Group is a state listed heritage item and is
also on the Wollongong LEP heritage schedule and RailCorp s.170 heritage register. There are
eight indigenous places in Helensburgh included on the Register of National Estate, however,
details relating to the nature and locations of these items are not available through the
Australian Heritage Database.
Dense bushland comprising mature trees and undergrowth lines both sides of the rail corridor at
all three locations. RailCorp Biodiversity Mapping indicates that the sites are within an area of
remnant vegetation. The site also contains weeds such as Crofton weed, mint bush, Lantana,
Fleabane, and Rhodes grass and Bidens.
A review of the RailCorp Sensitive Site Register identified native vegetation of the Royal
National Park as a sensitive area proximal to all three locations. The sensitive native vegetation
of the Royal National Park is adjacent to the rail corridor from Waterfall to Otford (chainage
SW39+500 to SW52+000) which includes all three of the proposed Outdoor Locations of the
Helensburgh Tunnel DBS.
The closest waterway is a small unnamed drainage line located approximately 80 metres to the
north-west of Outdoor Location 1 and is a tributary of the Hacking River catchment.
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Figure 1
Proposed sites and surrounds
© 2011 Google – Image © 2011 Sinclair Knight Merz © 2011 Whereis® Sensis Pty Ltd
Outdoor Location 1
Outdoor Location 2
Outdoor Location 3
Figure 2
Outdoor Locations Map
Map section reproduced with permission of UBD. Copyright Universal Publishers Pty Ltd DD 06/11
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1.4 Consultation
The consultation activities for the proposed work are outlined below. These measures are
designed to assist in informing stakeholders of the proposal. These activities also assist TfNSW
in meeting 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 TfNSW’s Communications Management
Plan.
Three main consultation activities will take place.
1) Communication with local councils and other regulatory authorities
Consultation with the local council and other regulatory authorities is required by the ISEPP.
Council and any relevant government authorities will be contacted and a link to this document
provided.
2) Communication with residents and businesses within a 500 metre radius of works
Consultation with nearby residents is required. A number of consultation activities will be
undertaken and are outlined below.
• A letter will be sent to all properties within a 500 metre radius detailing the DTRS project
and the scope of works proposed for the Helensburgh Tunnel DBS site. The letter will also
provide advice on where copies of the REF can be viewed.
This REF will be on public exhibition for 21 days. The REF will be accessible via
www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects.
• Face to face consultation will be undertaken with nearby residents. Residents will be
advised of the proposal and provided with information about where they can obtain the
REF and the mechanisms through which they can provide feedback.
• A project information line will be established for the community to obtain further information
during business hours.
Community relations for the Helensburgh Tunnel DBS proposal will specifically be targeted at:
• Residents along a section of Gardiner Place.
• Helensburgh Waste Disposal Depot, owned and operated by Wollongong City Council, as
the proposed access road to Outdoor Location 3 is Nixon Road which will be co-utilised
with users of this facility.
3) Notification and community relations prior to construction, during construction and
during commissioning works with Council and nearby community.
Subject to planning approval, the nearby community and Wollongong City Council will be
advised of the determination.
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The nearby community and Wollongong City Council will also be provided with notification at
least five days before any construction work/site establishment work begins. This information
will include specific detail regarding activities, works hours, traffic control measures and
compound/assembly location.
Further consultation with the community during this phase of project may also include face-toface
communication with nearby community members.
Summary
Feedback received during pre-construction consultation will be taken into consideration and
included in the project determination report. This report, along with the REF, will be used to
determine whether the development should process and what, if any, changes need to be
made.
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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 (EP&A Regulation), 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 TfNSW 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 EP&A Act. As the
determining authority for the purposes of Part 5 of the EP&A Act, TfNSW 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 TfNSW’s considerations under Part 5 of the EP&A Act, TfNSW is required to
prepare a Review of Environmental Factors (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 TfNSW on the proposal and any potential environmental impacts.
Prior to determining whether or not to proceed with the project, TfNSW will consider issues
raised in submissions and respond to community feedback. TfNSW may propose changes to
the proposal and detail these in the determination report. The determination report will be made
available to the public on the TfNSW website (www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects).
Should TfNSW determine to proceed, the proposal will be constructed and operated in
accordance with the mitigation measures proposed in the REF, determination report and any
conditions of approval.
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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 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 distributed base station (new monopole, masts,
antennas and power 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 land.”
The proposal also meets the definition of a telecommunication facility under Clause 113 of the
ISEPP. TfNSW is classified as a public authority under Section 4 of the EP&A Act.
Accordingly, this proposal (construction of new DBS at Helensburgh) is being assessed under
Part 5 of the EP&A Act. TfNSW is the proponent and determining authority as per the provisions
of Section 110 of the EP&A Act.
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2.4 Other Relevant Environmental Planning Instruments
State Environmental Planning Policy No. 14 Coastal Wetlands
The proposed site is not located within an area covered by the SEPP and therefore no further
consideration of SEPP 14 is necessary.
State Environmental Planning Policy No. 19 Bushland in Urban Areas
This SEPP protects and preserves bushland within certain urban areas in the Sydney
Metropolitan Area, as part of the natural heritage or for recreational, educational and scientific
purposes. Wollongong LGA is not listed in Schedule 1 as an area where bushland is preserved
under the SEPP, therefore no further consideration of this SEPP is required.
State Environmental Planning Policy No. 26 Littoral Rainforests
The proposed site is not located within an area covered by the SEPP and therefore no further
consideration of SEPP 26 is required.
State Environmental Planning Policy No. 44 – Koala Habitat Protection
The Wollongong LGA is an area nominated/classified by this SEPP as an area containing
habitat for koalas. However, the proposed sites are in previously cleared areas within the rail
corridor, adjacent to the railway track, and the proposed works will not require the removal of
any native vegetation; therefore 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 not located within an area covered by this SEPP and therefore no further
consideration of SEPP 71 is required.
State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Development) 2005
This SEPP identifies certain developments which are deemed major projects. The proposal is
not listed in this SEPP.
State Environmental Planning Policy (State and Regional Development) 2011
The proposal is not listed in the SEPP and has not been declared as State Significant
Infrastructure or State Significant Development under the SEPP.
State Environmental Planning Policy (Sydney Drinking Water Catchment) 2011
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The proposal is in the Hacking River catchment and is not part of a drinking water catchment.
This SEPP does not apply to the proposal.
Wollongong City Council Local Environmental Plan 2009
The proposed sites are in the Wollongong LGA and are subject to the Wollongong City Council
Local Environmental Plan 2009 (Wollongong City Council LEP). The proposed works will be
undertaken in land Zoned SP2 – Infrastructure.
Development for the purposes of railways is permissible in Zone SP2 – Infrastructure with
consent, as specified in the Land Use Table - SP2, Infrastructure, within the Wollongong City
Council LEP. As the ISEPP overrides the development consent requirements of any LEP, the
proposal can proceed without development consent (refer Section 0 and 2.3 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.
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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 Council 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.
Approval from the Heritage Council is also required under Section 139 of the Heritage Act 1977
prior to the disturbance or excavation of land if a project will, or is likely to result in, a relic being
discovered, exposed, moved, damaged or destroyed.
The proposed work is to be undertaken close to the Royal National Park which is a nationally
listed heritage item. However, the sites are not within its heritage boundary. The proposed work
will not directly affect any heritage items 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 Aboriginal objects or places known to occur within 200 metres of Outdoor Location 2,
and none for location 1 and location 3, however when the search was narrowed to 50 metres,
there were none identified. No known items or places will be affected by the proposed work.
Due to the location of the site within proximal distance to dense, undisturbed bushland, the
likelihood of uncovering Aboriginal heritage items is considered moderate (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
The Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) provides a licensing
framework for certain activities as defined in Schedule 1 of the POEO Act. The proposal is not
considered to fall within the definition of Section 33 ‘Railway systems activities’ of Schedule 1.
As such, the proposal does not require an environment protection licence (EPL) under the
POEO Act.
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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. However, clause 5(1) in Schedule 2 of the
Act states that public authorities do not require consent for works on unclassified roads.
Gardiner Place and Nixon Place will be used to access the proposed sites, both of which are
not classified roads under the meaning of the Roads Act. Therefore, approval from 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. Although there is
habitat considered suitable beyond the boundaries of the rail corridor, the proposed sites are
situated in previously cleared areas within the rail corridor and are utilised as TfNSW land. As
such, threatened species, populations, or endangered ecological communities are unlikely to
occur within the immediate vicinities of the sites and therefore further consideration under the
Act is not required.
Native Vegetation Act 2003
The Native Vegetation Act 2003 (NV Act) manages the clearing of native vegetation in NSW.
Section 25(g) of the NV Act provides that any clearing that is part of an activity that is
permissible without consent does not require approval under the Act.
RailCorp’s guideline for the vegetation management in rail corridors provides a framework for
compliance with this Act.
No native vegetation would be affected as part of the proposed works.
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;
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• nationally threatened species and ecological communities;
• migratory species;
• commonwealth marine areas; and
• nuclear actions.
The proposed work is to be undertaken close to the Royal National Park which is a nationally
listed heritage item. However all proposed works are inside the rail corridor, therefore it will not
affect matters of national environmental significance. Commonwealth land will not be affected,
either directly or indirectly, as a result of this proposal. Consideration of the EPBC Act factors is
included in Table 4 in Section 4.19.
Commonwealth Telecommunications Act
To operate the DTRS, TfNSW will have a Telecommunication Licence and so will have certain
rights under the relevant Commonwealth Legislation. In particular, TfNSW 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 and masts greater than three metres, it is
not a low impact facility and so will be assessed under Part 5 of the EP&A Act.
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.
TfNSW is committed to ensuring its projects are consistent with the principles of ESD and these
have been considered for this proposal (refer Table 1).
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Table 1
Consideration of ESD for the proposal
ESD Principle
Application to the proposal
Precautionary principle
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.
Intergenerational equity
This proposal and the overarching DTRS project will contribute
towards TfNSW’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.
Conservation of
biological diversity and
ecological integrity
The proposed site is on disturbed land that has been previously
cleared. Major clearing or other disturbance to the biodiversity or
items of ecological significance of the area is not required. The
proposed activity is not expected to result in loss of biodiversity or
ecological integrity.
Improved valuation and
pricing of environmental
resources
TfNSW 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
project. The potential environmental costs of the proposal have
been considered in conjunction with the costs of design,
construction and operation.
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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
TfNSW
Determination under Part 5 of the Environmental Planning
and Assessment Act 1979
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3 Description of the Proposal
3.1 Scope of Proposed Works
3.1.1 Summary
The DBS at Helensburgh Tunnel will consist of the following components:
Outdoor Location 1
A 20 metre high monopole;
A 1500 millimetre high lightning rod at the top;
Two Argus panel antennas mounted on the monopole;
A DBS cabinet on a slab two metres from the monopole; and
Power and fibre connections
Outdoor Location 2
A ten metre mast;
Two Yagi antennas mounted on the tilt mast;
A DBS cabinet on a slab five metres from the tilt mast; and
Power and fibre connections.
Outdoor Location 3
A ten metre mast;
One Yagi antenna mounted on the tilt mast;
A DBS cabinet on a slab two metres from the tilt mast; and
Power and fibre connections.
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 Sites
DBS Systems
The DBS systems consists of a base band unit (BBU) unit and multiple remote radio unit (RRU)
subsystems and is a distributed fibre fed base transceiver station. The BBU and RRU are
interconnected by dark fibre, one BBU being able to control up to 12 RRU Radio Frequency
(RF) units (i.e. six RRU pairs) each fed by separate fibres.
The DBS cabinets will be placed on a concrete slab adjacent to the monopole and masts. The
cabinets will be approximately 1700 millimetres high by 1000 millimetres long by 880 millimetres
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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 DBS cabinets will include the following equipment:
DBS equipment (transceiver modules, transmission equipment, controller etc.);
Direct Current (DC) distribution (including electromagnetic interference filter and surge
protection);
Transmission interface (Huawei PTN910);
Fibre optic distribution frame;
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 cabinets will also include power equipment including the following:
Alternating Current (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; and
Batteries (with the capability of providing a minimum of four hours’ back-up).
Monopole
A 20 metre monopole will be erected approximately two metres to the east of the DBS cabinet
in the rail corridor approximately seven metres from the eastern side of the track at Outdoor
Location 1. Two Argus antennas will be mounted 19 metres above the ground with azimuths of
80° and 240° to provide coverage along the rail corridor to Helensburgh as well as coverage
towards the Helensburgh tunnel. 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.
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Masts
10 metre high tilted masts will be erected at Outdoor Location 2 and Location 3 at approximate
distances of five metres northwest and two metres southeast from the DBS cabinet respectively.
Two Yagi antennas will be mounted on the mast at Outdoor Location 2 with azimuths of 120°
and 310° to provide coverage overlap between Outdoor Location 1. One Yagi antenna will be
mounted on the mast at Outdoor Location 3 with azimuth of 200° to provide coverage along the
rail corridor towards the adjacent Metropolitan site.
3.1.3 Power Supply
Power supply is yet to be determined.
3.1.4 Fibre Optics
The DBS require fibre connectivity between the RRU and the BBU. The Helensburgh Tunnel
design will be external, loose tube construction, with glass armouring, rodent protection and a
halogen free and flame retardant outer sheath.
Leaky feeder cables are required to provide coverage within the Helensburgh tunnel and will be
secured to the tunnel wall by 80mm round base and clic clamps.
The cable runs for the Helensburgh Tunnel DBS sites will be:
At Outdoor Location 1, new fibre optics route will involve installation of single mode optical fibre
(SMOF) cable between the DBS cabinet and a new pit adjacent to the site. From the pit, fibre
will run via a combination of existing and new galvanised steel trenching (GST) to Outdoor
Location 2 (near the tunnel portal) and along tunnel portal via cable ladder. Trenching distance
at Outdoor Location 1 and Outdoor Location 2 will be approximately five metres and four metres
respectively. No native vegetation will be removed, only some grass will be cleared.
The fibre route for Outdoor Location 3 will comprise the installation of SMOF cable between the
DBS cabinet and a new pit adjacent to the site. Fibre will then run via existing GST to the tunnel
portal and along tunnel portal via cable ladder. Trenching distance at Outdoor Location 3 will be
approximately 5 metres. No native vegetation will be removed, only some grass will be cleared.
A leaky feeder cable will connect from Outdoor Location 2 to Outdoor Location 3 via the length
of the Tunnel.
3.1.5 Earthing
The earthing installation will comprise six earth stakes at a pre-determined distance 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 up to five metres if the results show that the earthing arrangement is insufficient.
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3.2 Construction Methodology
Construction of the Helensburgh Tunnel DBS sites can be split into two distinct methods, On
Track Works and Off Track Works. Each method uses specific plant and construction
techniques.
On Track Work consists of work require to be performed whilst on or around track. In this case
this works consists of installation of leaky feeder cables fixed to the tunnel wall and optic fibre
through an existing cable route.
To undertake these works, a track possession will be required. These are already scheduled as
per the TfNSW possession calendar and weekend possession schedule as issued by TfNSW.
As part of the application process to gain access to these possessions, UGL will coordinate with
TfNSW and other contractors for access to specific locations.
The plant used for these works will be:
Hi Rail vehicle (a vehicle which can operate both on rail tracks and a conventional road);
Hi Rail platform truck of varying sizes;
Hi Rail Crane truck;
Hi Rail EWP or Scissor trucks;
Hi Rail Manitou’s or non-slewing cranes with man buckets;
Hand tools such as battery powered hammer drills; and
Cable drum stands and brakes.
Materials used to fit out the tunnels are typically:
Leaky feeder cable and bracket assemblies;
GST and associated brackets assemblies;
Chemical Adhesive such as Hilti;
Antenna’s and brackets; and
Any waste is stored on the Hi Rail vehicles until the end of the shift, when the waste is
removed back to UGL’s Milperra site and disposed of.
Off Track works consist of the installation of radio equipment and power supplies, 20 metre
monopole mast and foundations, 10 metre tilt masts and foundations, Panel and Yagi antenna
systems mounted to the monopole and masts, earthing, cable routes (buried and above ground)
and installation of cabling (power and optic Fibre cable). These works will follow the following
methodology:
Service location and verification – using cable locators and vacuum excavations;
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Site establishment;
Excavation for mast and equipment foundations using excavators with auger attachment;
Installation of earth grid, using excavator;
Installation of foundations, requiring steel re-enforcement, concrete and formwork;
Installation of underground cable routes – using excavators;
Installation of above ground cable routes such as GST, using hand augers, excavators with
auger attachment or Dingo;
Installation of monopole and masts will be via the use of crane trucks to deliver and stand
the poles onto the foundation;
Installation of radio and power supply equipment. This may be installed onto foundations
already constructed;
Installation of cables through new and existing routes; and
Most deliveries will be using a heavy rigid or medium rigid crane truck and concrete Aggi,
other vehicles movements will be for the floating of plant, typically using a tilt tray and light
vehicles will be used for daily movements.
The area of ground disturbance at each outdoor DBS site is likely to be in the vicinity of 15
square metres. The monopole and mast foundations will require an excavation approximately
five metres deep with a diameter of one metre. This will result in approximately 15 cubic metres
of excavated material at each location which may include rock.
Installation of the fibre optic cables will require excavation of trenches approximately 14 metres
long, approximately 500 millimetres deep and 1000 millimetres wide. This will result in
approximately 7 cubic metres of excavated materials for trenches. Excavated material will be
stockpiled and reused for backfilling.
3.3 Timing and Costing
Construction is planned to begin in late 2013 and involves non-possession and scheduled track
possession. Construction activities will require four to six weeks and 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 8:00am to 1:00pm
Evening/weekends/out of hours:
Out of hours work from 6:00am Saturday 6 July
2013 to 6:00 pm Sunday 7July 2013
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The DTRS project has an overarching value of $225 million. This includes the design, supply,
and installation of the DTRS on TfNSW’s electrified network plus a five-year life support
component.
3.4 Alternatives to the DTRS
A number of alternatives already used by the state government or available commercially were
investigated. 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 out-dated 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 TfNSW
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, Terrestrial
Trunked Radio (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.
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It relies on a dispatch terminal for functionality, which does not meet TfNSW’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 TfNSW’s network.
It relies on a dispatch terminal for functionality, which does not meet the TfNSW 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 TfNSW’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 TfNSW 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 TfNSW’s network.
It operates on a spectrum of 1800 MHz which was available for purchase by TfNSW. 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 TfNSW 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 Helensburgh Tunnel site
The following options were considered for the development of the Helensburgh Tunnel site:
• To do nothing;
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• Install the proposed equipment in different locations along the rail corridor; or
• Use of alternate antenna technologies or configurations.
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.
Moving equipment to different locations was rejected for the reasons listed below.
• The radio frequency modelling indicated that any alternative DTRS site configuration would
not provide coverage to 100% of the rail corridor and tunnel without additional antennas.
• The additional of extra antennas to ensure 100% network coverage, particularly in regard
to the tunnel would incur additional costs and, potentially, increase the risk of
environmental impacts of the proposal.
• Location of BBU and RRU equipment is generally restricted to portals because of lack of
space and access in the tunnel.
Other infrastructure options were considered, but were not feasible for the proposal.
• The proposed monopole at Outdoor Location 1 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.
• Yagi antennas cannot be mounted onto the tunnel portals due to on-going maintenance
issues; and
• Inward facing Yagi antennas were not used within the Helensburgh Tunnel because of the
length and the curvature of the tunnel. As a result, Leaky feeder cables are proposed for
signals within this tunnel.
• 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.
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Alternative sites towards Helensburgh and towards Wollongong were examined for Outdoor
Location 1 but were rejected due to the following reasons:
• Towards Helensburgh: As the rail path curves through a cutting the most efficient location
with regards to RF coverage would be at the apex of the curve. Positioning the site at the
apex will ensure that losses in RF signal strength due to the cutting are kept to a minimum.
The site is located as close to the apex as possible. It is not advantageous to move the site
further towards Helensburgh as this will further shift the site away from the apex and will
lead to a coverage hole between the site and the tunnel portal.
• Towards Wollongong: There are no suitable sites available down track as there are
cuttings on both sides of the rail corridor. It is not recommended to move the site beyond
the cutting as this will lead to an RF coverage hole between the site and the adjacent
Helensburgh sites.
3.6 Justification of the Preferred Option
It was decided to construct DBS sites at Helensburgh Tunnel using GSM-R technology because
it will enable the site to be consistent with the whole TfNSW DTRS network. Consistent
technology choice will enable TfNSW to improve its existing quality of service, reliability and
emergency responsiveness.
The Helensburgh outdoor locations have been selected due to their ability to cover the section
of track between Helensburgh and the adjacent Metropolitan site, including tunnel coverage.
The proposed antenna height of 19 metres at Outdoor Location 1 is the minimum height
required to provide optimum RF coverage for the section of track between Helensburgh and
Outdoor Location 2.
Outdoor Location 2 and Location 3 were selected for proximity to the respective tunnel portals
so that continuous coverage could be maintained between the tunnel and Outdoor Location 1
and handover coverage could be maintained between the tunnel and the adjacent Metropolitan
site. As such no other alternative locations were examined. The proposed antenna heights of
nine metres at Outdoor Location 2 and Location 3 are the minimum height required to provide
optimum RF coverage for these sections of track.
The proposed outdoor locations are also close to existing fibre supply and have good
construction and maintenance access. However, due to the requirement for tunnel equipment
installation, track possession could not be avoided. In addition, the proposed work will not
require the removal of native vegetation.
It was decided that the preferred option would offer the least impact on the local environment
while still meeting operational requirements.
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4 Environmental Impact and Risks
4.1 Landforms, Geology and Soils
Existing Situation
The Proposal is located within the railway corridor. All three sites are on relatively level ground
in cleared and grassy areas. The geology of the area has been predicted to comprise fine to
medium-grained quartz-lithic sandstone with lenticular shale interbeds of the Clifton subgroup.
The soil landscape in which Outdoor Location 1 and Outdoor Location 3 will be situated is
described as Hawkesbury Group with extreme soil erosion hazard, mass movement (rock fall)
hazard, steep slopes, and very low soil fertility. The soil landscape in which Outdoor Location 2
will be situated is described as Lucas Heights Group which is described as hard setting Yellow
Podzolic soil and Yellow Soloths on ridges and plateau surfaces with low soil fertility.
NSW Acid Sulphate Soils (ASS) risk mapping provided by the NSW Office of Environment and
Heritage (OEH) indicates the proposed site is in an area of no known occurrence.
A desktop geological review was undertaken for these sites. This review did not anticipate the
presence of ASS or contaminated material and found the site was suitable for the proposed
use. Since no contaminants are expected, the standard control measures described below are
deemed adequate for these sites. Prior to construction UGL will confirm ground conditions by:
On-site inspections during pre-construction site reviews to confirm desk-top study
predictions; and
Potential Impacts
Approximately a total of 45 square metres will be disturbed during construction of the proposal.
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, masts and trenches for the cables will
each result in approximately 22 cubic metres of spoil. The 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. 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 are 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.
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Control Measures
Site specific Erosion and Sediment Control measures will be identified as part of ECM. The
proposed measures will be in accordance with the ‘Blue Book’ (Managing Urban Stormwater:
Soils and Construction 4 th Edition (Landcom, 2004), and 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 reinstated, if required.
During maintenance activities, any spills will be attended to and treated in an appropriate
and timely fashion in accordance with TfNSW procedures.
4.2 Water Quality and Hydrology
Existing Situation
The nearest waterway, a small unnamed tributary, is about 80 metres north-west of the Outdoor
Location 1 and forms part of the Hacking River catchment. While the suburban stormwater
system is located at a large distance from the site however, there is a dish drain located within
approximately five metres of Outdoor Location 1. Runoff from the site drains south-west towards
Wilsons Creek. Based on a search of registered groundwater bores within the Helensburgh
area, the local groundwater resources are estimated to be about 10 metres below the surface
(Registered Groundwater Bore reference: GW100275).
Flood mapping for the proposed site location is not provided by Wollongong City Council.
However, given the locations and topography of the area, flooding is not considered to present
a substantial risk.
Possible Risks
There is a risk that the local underground water table may be reached and groundwater may be
encountered during pile boring activities. While this is not expected to occur at this site, it
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emains a risk in respect of water quality and hydrology. The CEMP, ECM and Water
Management Plan will contain procedures to manage this risk if it eventuates.
Potential Impacts
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
Sewage from the site facilities
Water collected in trenches and the pit
Without appropriate safeguards, contaminants such as fuel and oil spills 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 occurrence
would be minimised through implementation of measures provided in control measures
provided below.
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.
Control Measures
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 will include, but will not be limited to those outlined below.
A Water Management Plan will be prepared before construction begins to determine the
most appropriate method for water disposal should groundwater be encountered during pile
boring activities.
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 contaminants 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.
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Wash down areas will be off site.
Liquid waste generated during non-destructive excavation will be removed from the-site for
treatment and disposal.
4.3 Air Quality
Existing Situation
Wollongong City Council’s State of the Environment Report 2009-2010 reported that the
regional air quality in Wollongong City Council was largely ‘good’. Local air quality is influenced
by domestic and industrial emissions.
Potential Impacts
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 TfNSW’s overall greenhouse gas emissions.
Control Measures
Air quality impacts throughout construction will be minimised through a range of control
measures which will 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 transporting spoil and other waste materials from site will be covered appropriately.
Disturbed areas will be rehabilitated as soon as practicable.
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4.4 Biodiversity
Existing Situation
Based on a search within a one kilometre buffer of the proposed sites, there are 19 species of
fauna, 10 species of flora and 12 migratory bird species listed as threatened under the
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). These species or
their habitat may occur in the search area (refer Appendix 3). In addition, there is one
Endangered Ecological Community (EEC) of Upland Basalt Eucalypt Forests of the Sydney
Basin Bioregion identified within the search area.
Based on a search within a 10 kilometre buffer of the proposed sites, there are recordings of
105 threatened fauna species, 54 threatened flora species and one EEC listed under the
Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (TSC Act) within the search area (refer Appendix
3).
The three sites are located in cleared or grassy areas within the corridor that have been cleared
previously. Dense bushland surround the expanse of the rail corridor in this area. RailCorp
Biodiversity Mapping for the Illawarra, Map 2 (42.3kilometre – 49.15kilometre) does not identify
any flora or fauna within a 100 metre buffer along this area of rail corridor that requires specific
protection.
A review of the RailCorp Sensitive Site Register identified native vegetation of the Royal
National Park as a sensitive area proximal to all three Outdoor Locations. The sensitive native
vegetation of the Royal National Park is adjacent to the rail corridor from Waterfall to Otford
(chainage SW39+500 to SW52+000) which incorporates all three of the proposed locations of
the Helensburgh Tunnel DBS.
There are 90 species of noxious weeds identified in the Wollongong LGA. Weed control is
enforceable by Wollongong City Council, as the local control authority under the Noxious
Weeds Act 1993. RailCorp vegetation mapping also indicates that the sites are in a section of
rail corridor where there is remnant vegetation and weeds including Crofton weed, mint bush,
Lantana, Fleabane, and Rhodes grass and Bidens are present.
Potential Impacts
While there are threatened species known to be present in the searched area and some are
likely to be present within the dense bushland of the Royal National Park that borders the rail
corridor. Outdoor Location 1 and 2 are separated from the Royal National Park by the rail line.
All three sites are within previously cleared and disturbed areas within the rail corridor.
Following on consultation and inspection with a TfNSW Environmental Officer it was confirmed
Royal National Park would not be impacted by the proposed work.
The works are not expected to impact on listed threatened species or EECs. Given the absence
of suitable habitat in the immediate vicinity of the sites, it is unlikely that threatened fauna
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species will be present in the immediate area. The proposed work is not expected to remove
any native vegetation. No impacts to native vegetation are expected.
As such, the proposed works will not affect, threaten or have a significant impact on 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 threatened
plants or animals is not considered necessary.
Once soil has been disturbed there is the potential for the spread of weeds. Noxious weeds are
known to occur in the Wollongong area.
With regard to fauna, the work will not remove native vegetation or 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.
No operational impacts are expected.
Control Measures
Impacts on flora and fauna throughout construction will be minimised through a range of control
measures which will include, but will not be limited to, those outlined below.
If threatened flora or fauna species are identified on site, work will stop immediately. A
spotter/catcher or botanist will be engaged to survey the site, in conjunction with TfNSW’s
Environmental Officer, and advise on species management.
No native vegetation will be removed.
Root cutting will be avoided.
Care will be taken to minimise the spread of weeds. Appropriate management and disposal
of noxious weeds will be undertaken in consultation with Wollongong City Council, if
required.
The work site will be inspected for 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.
Ensure sediment runoff is controlled near creeks and gullies.
Ensure spoil is collected as soon as work is finished.
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4.5 Noise and Vibration
Existing Situation
The adjacent railway line and traffic are the major sources of noise in the area.
The closest receivers to the site are residents on Gardiner Place about 500 metres to the
southwest of Outdoor Location 1. There are no other sensitive receivers including schools, child
care centres or aged care facilities within 500 metres of the proposed sites.
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 and industrial premises, places of worship and schools.
The ICNG states:
Where the predicted or measured L Aeq, 15 min is greater than the noise affected 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
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 associated with the proposal is likely to be generated 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 all work is expected to be undertaken during
standard working hours. The key noise-generating activity, the pile boring, is expected to be
undertaken during one day.
Given the nearest receiver is approximately 500 metres away, background noise monitoring and
the establishment of noise management levels for residential receivers is not proposed.
Nevertheless, a qualitative construction noise assessment has been undertaken (refer Table 2).
In addition, the ICNG prescribes 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 sensitive receivers will experience a noise level above the highly affected level of
75 dBA L Aeq, 15min during the noisiest works)
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Rating
Rating
Rating
Rating
Rating
Rating
Table 2
Qualitative Construction Noise Assessment
Distance to nearest
sensitive receiver
Approx. construction noise level
at 7m, dB(A)
Noise screening or barriers
Ambient noise
environment at receiver
Timing of construction work
Duration of construction work
Distance
(m)
Category (refer AS2436
and Note 2)
Description
Description
Category
Duration

Rating
Rating
Rating
Rating
Rating
Rating
Distance to nearest
sensitive receiver
Approx. construction noise level
at 7m, dB(A)
Noise screening or barriers
Ambient noise
environment at receiver
Timing of construction work
Duration of construction work
Distance
(m)
Category (refer AS2436
and Note 2)
Description
Description
Category
Duration
>1000 -46
For pile boring activities undertaken within one construction day
500m -40 ≥100dB(A) (e.g. bored
100 Receivers screened
-10 Quiet, rural, or
-35 Day (7am – 6pm
0

Rating
Rating
Rating
Rating
Rating
Rating
Distance to nearest
sensitive receiver
Approx. construction noise level
at 7m, dB(A)
Noise screening or barriers
Ambient noise
environment at receiver
Timing of construction work
Duration of construction work
Distance
(m)
Category (refer AS2436
and Note 2)
Description
Description
Category
Duration
pneumatic drill)
Score 25 Impact / risk level ranges
Low: 50 requires specialist noise study / advice)
Note: the qualitative noise assessment has been based on a total six week construction period. It is noted that the level of impact identified above is likely to
occur on one day only (i.e. during pile boring activities). All other noise generated during the construction process will be well within the low range.
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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
No operational impacts are expected.
Control Measures
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) and be carried out in accordance with TfNSW’s Construction
Noise Strategy.
Control measures to minimise noise and vibration impacts will include, but will not be limited to,
those outlined below.
Maximise the offset distance between noise plant items and sensitive receivers
Orient plant and equipment away from sensitive receivers
Avoid the simultaneous operation of two or more noise plant items in close vicinity and
adjacent to sensitive receivers
Carry out loading and unloading away from sensitive receivers
Where necessary, use structures to shield sensitive receivers from noise sources
Provide periods of respite if high noise generating activities occur for extended periods.
In addition, the community will be notified of the works and their duration and provided with
contact details before work begins. Any noise complaints received will be addressed by the
Project Manager as soon as possible.
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4.6 Heritage
Existing Situation
A search for non-Aboriginal heritage items was completed by consulting the following
databases: Wollongong 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. Full details of the
searches are provided in Appendix 3.
The following heritage items are located in the vicinity of the proposal:
The Royal National Park (approximately 25 metres away from Outdoor Location 1 and
2) and Garawarra State Conservation Area (approximately 15 metres away from
Outdoor Location 3) is a nationally listed heritage item which borders the rail corridor
within close proximity to all three proposed sites
Helensburgh Station, approximately 670 metres south-west from Outdoor Location 1 is
listed under RailCorp’s Section 170 Heritage and Conservation Register.
There are eight indigenous places in Helensburgh included on the Register of National
Estate, however, details relating to the nature and locations of these items are not
available in the Australian Heritage Database. There are no restrictions for the Register
of the National Estate places, as the register is now a non-statutory archive.
A search for known items of Aboriginal heritage value was undertaken for the proposed site,
(with a 200 metre buffer) using OEH’s Aboriginal Heritage Information Management System
(AHIMS). Four Aboriginal sites have been identified within 200 metres of Outdoor Location 2;
however none were recorded within 50 metres from the site. In addition there are no Aboriginal
sites located around Outdoor Location 1 and 3.
Potential Impacts
All work will be undertaken outside the boundaries of heritage items. With the implementation of
control measures included in a CEMP for the sites, the works are unlikely to have an impact on
known items or places of non-Aboriginal heritage value. No permits or approvals are required.
RailCorp Biodiversity mapping identifies numerous aboriginal art sites within close proximity to
Outdoor Location 2. However a search using OEH’s AHIMS identifies these Aboriginal sites to
be outside of the 50 metres buffer of Outdoor Location 2. There are no Aboriginal sites close to
Location 1 and 3.
There are no known Aboriginal objects or places known to occur within 50 metres of any
Outdoor Locations. Although the sites are located in areas that have been disturbed and
cleared previously, due to the proximity of the site to known Aboriginal objects or places, the
potential to uncover unidentified Aboriginal heritage items is considered moderate. Safeguards
have been proposed to address circumstances if an unexpected find occurs.
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Control Measures
Impact on heritage throughout construction will be minimised through a range of control
measures, which will 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. TfNSW heritage staff and the Heritage Branch (formerly
Heritage Office), NSW 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 TfNSW 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 other requirements before work resumes.
4.7 Waste
Overview
TfNSW 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.
Potential Impacts
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
wastewater from non-destructive excavation.
No operational impacts are expected.
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Control Measures
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 will include, but not be limited to, those outlined below.
All waste will be classified in accordance with the Waste Classification Guidelines (DECC
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 TfNSW 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.
Wastewater 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
Existing Situation
The subject site has been initially investigated for potential land contamination. The
investigation included:
A site walk over and visual inspection for potential signs of land contamination
Search of OEH register of contaminated sites
Search of RailCorp records
Review of all materials that will be used at the subject site to establish their potential for
land contamination.
Due to the historical and ongoing use of the site as part of the rail corridor, the following
potential sources of contamination may be present in the vicinity of the site:
Fuel and oil spills and engine emissions
Rail corridor maintenance activities, such as application of pesticides and herbicides
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Brake linings
Historical cables / pipework ducting and former site structures, with potential asbestos
containing materials
Fabric of old rolling stock
Imported fill.
The initial investigation did not find any signs of potential land contamination. There were 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.
Potential Impacts
Although contamination is not identified as part of the initial investigation, 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 may be encountered during
the proposed work. If encountered, contaminants may pose a risk to health of workers and the
environment in general.
Control Measures
The risk of encountering unknown contaminants during excavation shall be managed in
accordance with TfNSW’s procedures, the CEMP, ECM and land contamination legislation.
Control measures to manage contamination risks will include, but not be limited to, those
outlined below.
During excavation, site workers will look for signs of potential contamination such as:
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 be immediately stoped and
the site fenced off. The site will be investigated and validated and work will only resume
after approval from the Health, Safety and Environment Manager is obtained.
Contaminated soil will be segregated in a special container; prior to classification and
ultimate disposal.
4.9 Hazardous Materials
Existing Situation
Construction, operation and maintenance of the proposed facilities will not require the use of
hazardous chemicals and/or materials. However, if required for 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.
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Potential Impact
If not properly used, chemicals may present a risk to the safety of workers and the environment
in general.
Safe use of hazardous chemicals is regulated and subject to numerous standards, including a
need for a dangerous goods licence.
Control Measures
The impact of 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 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. 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.
4.10 Visual Aesthetics and Urban Design
Existing Situation
The visual landscape surrounding the proposed sites includes the South Coast Line, associated
overhead power lines and the Helensburgh Tunnel. There is dense vegetation lining both sides
of the rail corridor.
Residential dwellings are about 500 metres away from Outdoor Location 1 on Gardiner Place.
This is the closest sensitive receiver to the Helensburgh Tunnel DBS sites. No residents will
have direct views of any of the DBS sites. There are no other sensitive receivers close to the
proposed sites.
Potential Impacts
During construction the visual environment will be temporarily altered through the presence of
temporary work buildings, plant and equipment.
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While the site is operational, a new 20 metre high monopole and two new 10 metre high masts
will be introduced into the visual environment. The monopole will be accompanied by 1.7 metre
high cabinets. The cabinets will be of little visual significance.
Visually sensitive receivers in the vicinity of the site include residences located approximately
500 metres south-west from Outdoor Location 1. Hikers on the Burgh Track may be able to view
the 10 metre mast of Outdoor Location 2. The Burgh Track is approximately 200 metres away
from Outdoor Location 2. It is expected that there will be no visual impacts from Outdoor
Location 2 due to the large separation distance between the site and the Burgh Track.
Additionally, the smaller 10 metre mast will be screened by mature vegetation.
The new monopole will be 20 metres in height and there are two additional 10 metre high
masts. A photomontage of the new monopole and masts are provided in Figure 3, Figure 4 and
Figure 5. Due to dense bushland screening the rail corridor, residents are unlikely to have direct
views of the DBS sites.
The potential visual impact of the proposal is considered to be low.
Figure 3
View of Outdoor Location 1 looking south-west
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Figure 4
View of Outdoor Location 2 looking north-west
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Figure 5
View of Outdoor Location 3 looking south
Control Measures
Visual impact during construction will be minimised through a range of control measures which
will include, but will not be limited to, those outlined below.
The work area shall be maintained in an orderly manner
All temporary signage associated with the works must be appropriately displayed
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All work equipment and materials will be contained within the designated boundaries of the
work site
All waste generated during the course of the works will be removed from the work areas as
soon as practicable or at the end of each work day and disposed of in accordance with the
measures identified for ‘Waste’
On completion of work, all vehicles, materials and refuse relating to the works will be
removed and the site reinstated to the pre-work condition if not better.
4.11 Land Use
Existing Situation
The proposed sites are on land owned by TfNSW and zoned for the purposes of a railway under
the Wollongong LEP. The land where the new monopole, masts and cabinets are to be situated
and where trenching is required is not actively used for TfNSW activities (i.e. an access route or
storage area). The immediate neighbouring land uses are mainly bushland and residential.
Potential Impacts
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 effects on the use of the neighbouring properties.
Control Measures
No specific control measures are required.
4.12 Socio-Economic Effects
Existing Situation
The proposed sites are in the Wollongong LGA, which in the 2011 census had a population of
around 192,418. Helensburgh is mostly a residential suburb with small commercial areas
scattered around the suburb and surrounded by dense bushland.
The railway line at the DBS sites runs through dense bushland northeast and east of the
predominantly residential township of Helensburgh. The closest residential receivers are
situated approximately 500 metres from Outdoor Location 1. There are no other sensitive
receivers within close proximity to the proposed sites.
Potential Impacts
Social and economic considerations typically focus on the effect on the local community as a
whole, and on 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.
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Construction is unlikely to have any adverse effect on businesses or residents in the
Helensburgh area, as work will be within the rail corridor. Potential noise impacts will be
temporary (less than six weeks). There will be no traffic or access changes for businesses or
residents.
As some work may be undertaken during scheduled track work, some activity may occur on
weekends to minimise interruptions to train services as a result of the work.
The sites will be appropriately fenced off during construction. In operation, the facilities 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.
Control Measures
In addition to the control measures proposed in the noise, traffic and visual sections, other
control measures are outlined below.
Nearby residents and businesses will be informed about the nature and timing of works.
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)
Overview
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 Protection 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.
Potential Impacts
EME levels emitted by the new DBS sites 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
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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 0.031%, 0.032% and
0.028% of the ARPANSA exposure limits at Outdoor Locations 1, 2 and 3 respectively. EME
impacts are unlikely when the facility is operational. The ARPANSA report is included at
Appendix 4.
Control Measures
The various elements will be located in areas that are not accessible by the public. However,
the following control measures will also minimise 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
Existing Situation
Access to the proposed Outdoor Location 1 and 2 will be via existing railway gates and sealed
road off Gardiner Place whilst access to Outdoor Location 3 will via an unsealed track off Nixon
Place which is co-utilised by users and employees of the Helensburgh Waste Disposal Depot.
The unsealed track will only be used to access the site and no construction work will occur on
the unsealed track.
Potential Impacts
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).
As works are to take place in the rail corridor, access changes to local roads or access to
driveways are not expected. There may be temporary inconveniences such as additional traffic
and delays to motorists on Nixon Place and employees of the Helensburgh Waste Disposal
Depot as the road will be used to access the site, however impacts are expected to be minor as
the works would be of short term duration. In addition measures would be implemented to
minimise any potential impacts.
Vehicular traffic in the rail corridor will be limited to concrete and delivery trucks for the cabinets
and the monopole sections and trucks with pile boring or trenching equipment. These trucks are
not large enough to prevent access via the gate.
There will be some traffic movement associated with vehicles that will need to access the site
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
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antennas be accessed via an elevated work platform, or through the use of a ladder and dual
lanyard system.
Control Measures
Impacts associated with traffic and access will be minimised through a range of control
measures, which will 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 prior to construction commencing.
All 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.
Consultation with the Wollongong City Council will be undertaken regarding potential issues
relating to the co-utilisation of Nixon Place with users of the Helensburgh Waste Disposal
Depot for access to Outdoor Location 3.
4.15 Utilities and Services
Existing Situation
There is existing services such as fibre close to the proposed sites.
Potential Impacts
The facilities will be connected to the fibre network and do not require connections to water or
gas.
There are no public utilities near the sites 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.
Control Measures
• Ensure that a Dial Before You Dig call and a services search are undertaken to identify
services prior to construction commencing
• Consult with public utility providers to minimise impacts during any utility relocations or
readjustments.
4.16 Light spill
There may be some light spill impacts during the proposed works. However, there is no new
permanent lighting proposed. Light sources will not be directed to residential properties and
there is dense vegetation screening surrounding the sites.
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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 and Infrastructure’s Major Projects register, Wollongong
City Council’s development application register and the TfNSW projects website were
undertaken on April 2013 and no major projects were identified in the vicinity of the proposed
site.
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 proposed DBS is part of a large number of radio communications facilities being installed
across the 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 Metropolitan
DBS site, which is approximately 300 metres south-west of Outdoor Location 3. Helensburgh
BTS site is located approximately 900 metres north-east of Location 1 and Helensburgh 2 BTS
site is located approximately 420 metres north-west of Location 1.Even if all the mentioned
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 TfNSW 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 TfNSW’s electrified rail network.
Control Measures
• Any other major development or works planned in the vicinity of the sites will be
investigated before construction begins.
• Consultation with Wollongong City Council and other relevant stakeholders regarding other
developments will be undertaken on an ongoing basis.
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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) Environmental impact on a
community?
-ve short-term
+ve long 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.
The proposal, as part of the broader
DTRS, will provide a more effective
communication service and improve the
safety of the rail network.
(b) Transformation of a locality?
-ve short-term
-ve long-term
Overall the locality would not be
significantly transformed from the current
environment, as it will continue to be
used for rail infrastructure.
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 and masts).
Visual impacts have been assessed as
low.
(c) Environmental impact on the
ecosystems of the locality?
nil
With the implementation of the proposed
control measures, the proposed works
are not anticipated to impact on the
ecosystem of the locality.
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Clause 228 Factor Impacts Comments
(d) 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) 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
Works will be undertaken close to Royal
National Park and identified Aboriginal
sites. Consultation will be undertaken
with TfNSW Environmental Officer to
ensure significant places will not be
affected during construction or operation.
(f)
Impact on the habitat of
nil
No habitat on which protected or
protected fauna (within the
endangered species would be reliant on
meaning of the National Parks
is anticipated to be impacted by the
and Wildlife Act 1974)?
proposed works.
(g) Endangering of 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 are
anticipated to be impacted by the
proposed works.
(h) Long-term effects on the
environment?
nil
The proposed activities are not
anticipated to pose environmental risks
in the long term.
(i)
Degradation of the quality of
nil
The proposed work is not expected to
the environment?
have significant adverse impacts on the
quality of the environment.
(j) Risk to the safety of the -ve short-term During construction there is a risk to the
Page 57 of 78

Clause 228 Factor Impacts Comments
environment?
environment due to accidental spills and
sedimentation. These risks will be
minimised through the implementation of
the proposed control measures.
(k) Reduction in the range of
beneficial uses of the
environment?
nil
Works are to take place within the
existing rail corridor and would not
reduce the beneficial uses of the
environment. Some work may be done
during scheduled track work.
(l) 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) Environmental problems
associated with the disposal of
waste?
-ve
short-term
During construction it is possible for spoil
to be contaminated and an appropriate
remediation plan and/or waste disposal
method will be required.
(n) Increased demands on
resources, natural or otherwise
which are, or are likely to
become in short supply?
nil
Construction materials are readily
available and will be sourced from local
contractors where possible.
(o) 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 TfNSW
Page 58 of 78

Clause 228 Factor Impacts Comments
network. Once active, the new DTRS will
provide a safer and more efficient rail
network.
(p) Impact on coastal processes
and coastal hazards, including
those under projected climate
change conditions?
nil
The proposed sites are not on the
coastline and have 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) Environmental impact on a World
Heritage property?
(b) Impact on the National Heritage
values of a National Heritage
Place?
(c) Environmental impact on wetlands
of international importance?
No
No
No
There are no World Heritage
properties in the vicinity the sites.
The Royal National Park which is
listed on the National Heritage
List is located proximal to the
sites. However, given the nature
and scale of the works as
construction works will not take
place within the Royal National
Park, impacts to the national park
are not expected.
There are no wetlands of
international importance in the
vicinity of the sites.
Page 59 of 78

Factor (Commonwealth Legislation) Impacts Comments
(d) Environmental impact on
Commonwealth listed threatened
species or ecological
communities?
(e) Environmental impact on
Commonwealth listed migratory
species?
No
No
The nature, scale and location of
the works are such that impacts
on 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 Commonwealth listed
threatened species or ecological
communities or their habitats are
not expected. Indirect impacts are
also not expected.
(f)
Does part of the proposal involve
No
The proposal does not involve
a nuclear action?
nuclear actions.
(g) Environmental impact on a
Commonwealth marine area?
(h) Direct or indirect effect on
Commonwealth land?
No
No
The sites are not in the vicinity of
Commonwealth marine areas.
The sites are not on or close to
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.
Page 60 of 78

Soil will be removed from public roads and other paved areas using dry street
sweepers or other measures.
Disturbed areas will be reinstated, if required.
During maintenance activities, any spills will be attended to and treated in an
appropriate and timely fashion in accordance with TfNSW procedures.
Water Quality and Hydrology
A Water Management Plan will be prepared before construction begins to determine
the most appropriate method for water disposal should groundwater be encountered
during pile boring activities.
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 contaminants 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 thesite
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.
Page 61 of 78

Minimal work will be undertaken during high wind periods.
Trucks transporting spoil and other waste materials from site will be covered
appropriately.
Disturbed areas will be rehabilitated as soon as practicable.
Biodiversity
If threatened flora or fauna species are identified on site, work will stop immediately. A
spotter/catcher or botanist will be engaged to survey the site, in conjunction with
TfNSW’s Environmental Officer, and advise on species management.
No native vegetation will be removed.
Root cutting will be avoided.
Care will be taken to minimise the spread of weeds. Appropriate management and
disposal of noxious weeds will be undertaken in consultation with Wollongong City
Council, if required.
The work site will be inspected for 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.
Ensure sediment runoff is controlled near creeks and gullies.
Ensure spoil is collected as soon as work is finished.
Noise and Vibration
Maximise the offset distance between noise plant items and sensitive receivers
Orient plant and equipment away from sensitive receivers
Avoid the simultaneous operation of two or more noise plant items in close vicinity and
adjacent to sensitive receivers
Carry out loading and unloading away from sensitive receivers
Where necessary, use structures to shield sensitive receivers from noise sources
Provide periods of respite if high noise generating activities occur for extended
periods.
Heritage
Page 62 of 78

If a non-Aboriginal historical relic is discovered, all work likely to affect it will cease and
the Project Manager will be contacted. TfNSW heritage staff and the Heritage Branch
(formerly Heritage Office), NSW 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 TfNSW 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 other requirements before work
resumes.
Waste
All waste will be classified in accordance with the Waste Classification Guidelines
(DECC 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 TfNSW 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.
Wastewater 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.
Page 63 of 78

Contaminated Land
During excavation, site workers will look for signs of potential contamination such as:
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 be immediately stoped
and the site fenced off. The site will be investigated and validated and work will only
resume after approval from the Health, Safety and Environment Manager is obtained.
Contaminated soil will be segregated in a special container; prior to classification and
ultimate 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 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. 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 work area shall be maintained in an orderly manner
All temporary signage associated with the works must be appropriately displayed
All work equipment and materials will be contained within the designated boundaries
of the work site
Page 64 of 78

All waste generated during the course of the works will be removed from the work
areas as soon as practicable or at the end of each work day and disposed of in
accordance with the measures identified for ‘Waste’
On completion of work, all vehicles, materials and refuse relating to the works will be
removed and the site reinstated to the pre-work condition if not better.
Land Use
No specific control measures are required.
Socio-Economic Effects
Nearby residents and businesses will be informed about the nature and timing of
works.
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 prior to construction commencing.
All 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.
Consultation with the Wollongong City Council will be undertaken regarding potential
issues relating to the co-utilisation of Nixon Place with users of the Helensburgh Waste
Page 65 of 78

Disposal Depot for access to Outdoor Location 3.
Utilities and Services
Ensure that a Dial Before You Dig call and a services search are undertaken to identify
services prior to construction commencing
Consult with public utility providers to minimise impacts during any utility relocations or
readjustments.
Light Spill
No specific control measures are required.
Demand on Resources
No specific control measures are required.
Cumulative Environmental Effects
Any other major development or works planned in the vicinity of the site will be
investigated before construction begins.
Consultation with Wollongong City Council and other relevant stakeholders regarding
other developments will be undertaken on an ongoing basis.
Page 66 of 78

4.21 Implementation Process
The construction contractor will incorporate the mitigation and control measures in this REF into
the program wide CEMP (if not already included), and the site specific ECM as appropriate. The
CEMP and ECM will be the key environmental management documents followed by the Project
Manager during construction and commissioning to ensure appropriate environmental
management practices are implemented.
A copy of this REF, the program wide CEMP and the ECM are to be retained on site and
produced upon request. The CEMP and/or ECM will include:
• details of environmental controls to be implemented including location and timing
• details of statutory requirements including those of 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
• corrective action requirements and their verification.
Page 67 of 78

5 References
• DECC (2009) Interim Construction Noise Guideline. Prepared by the Department of
Environment and Climate Change, Sydney.
• DECC (2009) Waste Classification Guidelines. Prepared by the Department of
Environment, Climate Change and Water, Sydney.
• 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 4 th
Edition (the Blue Book). Prepared by Landcom/Department of Housing, Sydney.
• RailCorp (2012): Contaminated Land Management Procedure (EMS-09-PR-0004).
• Wollongong City Council (2010) State of the Environment Report 2009/2010. Prepared by
Wollongong City Council, Sydney.
Page 68 of 78

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 an existing 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,
masts and antenna mounting system that are
unobtrusive with minimal visual bulk will also
minimise visual impact.
The proposal does not involve mounting
antennas to an existing building or structure.
The outdoor cabinets will be adjacent to the
base of the monopole and masts. The
cabinets will be less than two metres high.
Page 69 of 78

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 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 relevant Industry Design
Guides.
Proposal
The proposed facilities are within a rural area
but are located within areas of dense
vegetation and are considered to be of low
visual impact given their size.
The visual elements of the proposal are not on
or within a heritage item.
The proposed facility will not block or
significantly obstruct views of heritage items or
other landmarks of state significance.
The proposed monopole and masts is less
than 500 millimetres wide at the top and will
not have a headframe supporting the
antennas. The monopole and masts will not
represent dominant structures in the view lines
of people occupying the residential properties
in the surrounding area.
No native vegetation will be removed.
Should the facilities 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
Page 70 of 78

Principle
Proposal
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 new telecommunications facility
must be designed, installed and operated so
that the resultant cumulative levels of radio
frequency emissions of the co-located
telecommunications facilities are within the
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 and masts are 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.
Page 71 of 78

Principle
Proposal
maximum human exposure levels set out in
the Radiation Protection Standard.
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 facilities 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
telecommunications facility must comply with
relevant site and height requirements specified
by the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 and the
Airports (Protection of Airspace) Regulations
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
Page 72 of 78

Principle
1996 of the Commonwealth. It must not
penetrate obstacle limitation surface shown on
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 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
of the manufacturers for the installation of
such equipment.
(d) The telecommunications facility is not to
affect the structural integrity of 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
accordance with all relevant regulations of the
Blue Book – ‘Managing Urban Storm water:
Soils and Construction’ (DECC 2008), or its
replacement.
(g) Obstruction or risks to pedestrians or
vehicles caused by the location of the facility,
construction activity or materials used in
Proposal
of a warning light or aircraft navigation light, as
the proposal does not penetrate the Obstacle
Limitation Surface.
TfNSW will operate the radio facilities with its
own spectrum and the facilities will not cause
interference with other networks. All radio
transmitters will use the frequency assigned to
TfNSW for the exclusive use of TfNSW.
The installation and operation of the radio
equipment and antennas will be carried out in
accordance with the manufacturers’
specifications.
The proposed facilities will not be connected
to existing buildings.
The proposed facilities will be inside the rail
corridor that is owned and used by TfNSW.
TfNSW 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
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
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Principle
construction are to be mitigated.
Proposal
not expected.
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
to 6:00pm, Mondays to Fridays, 8:00am to
1:00pm Saturdays, with no work on Sundays
and public holidays.
Work associated with the development and
installation of the DBS site will occur between
7:00am to 6:00pm, Mondays to Fridays and
8:00am to 1:00pm Saturdays, with no work on
Sundays and public holidays. Additionally,
scheduled track possession will be undertaken
from 6am Saturday 6 July 2013 to 6pm
Sunday 7 July 2013 for the installation of the
Leaky feeder cables to provide coverage
within the Helensburgh tunnel.
(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.
(l) The likelihood of impacting on threatened
species and communities should be identified
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 native vegetation will be removed. The
land will be reinstated to its original condition
prior to construction.
The proposed activities do not require the
removal of native vegetation. A search of
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Principle
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.
Proposal
threatened species has been completed (refer
Appendix 3) and there is not expected to be
significant impact on threatened species.
A search of the AHIMS has been completed
and has identified items or places of
archaeological significance within 200 metres
of Outdoor Site 2 (refer Appendix 3) however
impacts to these items are not expected as
they are located in excess of 50 metres away.
If 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.
(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.
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.
Page 75 of 78

Appendix 2: Design Plans
DTRS-D-033-BS-0003: Helensburgh Tunnel Outdoor Design – Rail Corridor Site Layout
Plan Location 1
DTRS-D-033-BS-0007: Helensburgh Tunnel Outdoor Design – Rail Corridor Site Layout
Plan Location 2
DTRS-D-033-BS-0011: Helensburgh Tunnel Outdoor Design – Rail Corridor Site Layout
Plan Location 3DTRS-D-033-BS-0004: Helensburgh Tunnel Outdoor Design – Rail Corridor
Set out Design Location 1
DTRS-D-033-BS-0008: Helensburgh Tunnel Outdoor Design – Rail Corridor Set out
Design Location 2
DTRS-D-033-BS-0012: Helensburgh Tunnel Outdoor Design – Rail Corridor Set out
Design Location 3
DTRS-D-033-BS-0005: Helensburgh Tunnel Outdoor Design – Rail Corridor DBS Elevation
and Antenna Table
DTRS-D-033-BS-0005: Helensburgh Tunnel Outdoor Design – Rail Corridor DBS Elevation
and Antenna Table Location 1
DTRS-D-033-BS-0009: Helensburgh Tunnel Outdoor Design – Rail Corridor DBS Elevation
and Antenna Table Location 2
DTRS-D-033-BS-0013: Helensburgh Tunnel Outdoor Design – Rail Corridor DBS Elevation
and Antenna Table Location 3
DTRS-D-033-TR-0001: Helensburgh Tunnel Transmission Diagram
DTRS-D-033-BS-0036: Helensburgh Tunnel Earthing Diagram.
Page 76 of 78

Appendix 3: Database Searches
Extracts from the NSW Wildlife Atlas
Flora
Fauna
Section 170: RailCorp Heritage Register – Items in Helensburgh
NSW Heritage Register
Australian Heritage Database
EPBC Act 1999 Protected Matters Report
Page 77 of 78

Appendix 4: Electro- Magnetic Energy (EME) Reports
Refer to attached:
DTRS-R-033-EM-0001: Helensburgh Tunnel Electro-Magnetic Energy Report
(APRANSA REPORT)
Page 78 of 78