Amendment No.19

Amendment No.19: Allow rooftop telecommunications infrastructure exempt from SDZ height limits, where sensitively designed and visually minimised.

It is proposed to amend Section 2.9.7 Telecommunications Infrastructure to allow for the provision of telecommunications infrastructure on the roofs of existing and proposed structures where necessary. The existing Planning Scheme focuses on underground ducting and fibre networks to ensure high-quality broadband services; however, certain telecommunications technologies, such as mobile and wireless broadband, require elevated positioning to ensure effective coverage.

To support these advancements while maintaining the visual integrity of the SDZ, it is proposed to allow rooftop telecommunications infrastructure, subject to strict design controls. This will provide flexibility for necessary installations while ensuring that such infrastructure is sensitively integrated into the built environment. By minimising visual impact through appropriate setbacks and height considerations, this amendment aligns with the broader objectives of the Planning Scheme to facilitate sustainable urban development while enhancing digital connectivity.

This amendment will support the continued development of a future-proofed telecommunications network within the SDZ, ensuring that both residential and commercial users benefit from reliable, high-speed connectivity.

Add additional paragraph to the end of Section 2.9.7 Telecommunications Infrastructure

The provision of IT, broadband internet and high-speed telecommunications infrastructure to the SDZ area as a whole will enable activities such as education uses, community facilities, home office working and commercial business to prosper.

To enable these opportunities, it is proposed to develop a data infrastructure spine comprising a network of fibre optic and broadband capacity cables routed in accordance with the primary and secondary street hierarchy structure. All buildings in the district shall be connected to the data spine. Each dwelling shall be provided with at least two telecom ducts and shall be serviced by carrier neutral multi-duct infrastructure having regard to relevant guidance from the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment.

It is proposed to locate the services infrastructure with the proposed street hierarchy structure. The ducting of all services should be located to the appropriate depth standards, and not preclude the opportunity of street tree planting and location of street furniture.

Every opportunity should be taken to identify occasions when sharing of road space may be appropriate. This will include initiatives such as trench sharing. Trench sharing can be effective in reducing disruption from ongoing maintenance and street works, and optimise available space for services. Care should be taken to ensure that the balance is achieved between reducing the number of occasions that small works take place and increasing the scale of combined works.

Where necessary, the provision of telecommunications infrastructure on the roofs of existing and proposed structures, will be considered appropriate, and not subject to the height ranges in Table 3.1.1 – 3.1.12 in Section 3 of the Planning Scheme, where the applicant has demonstrated how the proposed infrastructure will be sensitively designed, set back from the edges of structures, and height minimised, so not to detract from the surrounding area's design, appearance and character. Applicants should demonstrate how they propose to mitigate potential structures as part of any subsequent application.