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Telecommunications Code of Practice
Victoria is to get a Code of Practice for telecommunications that will provide a single set of performance based planning principles for the whole State.
Robert Maclellan, the Minister for Planning and Local Government, said the Code of Practice, the first in Australia, would ensure a consistent approach that would benefit the community because it sets out environmental and amenity principles.
It will also benefit the telecommunications industry in specifying consistent planning requirements.
The Code:
·
Sets out the circumstances and requirements under which land may be developed for a telecommunication facility without the need for a planning permit.·
Specifies principles for the design, siting, construction and operation of a telecommunication facility that a responsible authority (usually the council) must consider when determining a planning permit application.·
Ensures that telecommunications infrastructure and services are provided in an efficient and cost-effective manner to meet community needs.·
Applies consistent provisions for telecommunications facilities throughout Victoria.·
Encourages an effective statewide telecommunications network in a manner consistent with the economic, environmental and social objectives of planning in Victoria, as set out in Section 4 of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.·
Encourages the provision of telecommunications facilities with minimal impact on the amenity of the area.
Carriers will be encouraged to co-locate facilities to make best use of existing structures and to minimise the impact on neighbourhoods.
Under the code, telecommunications facilities will have to be sited to minimise visual impact on streetscapes, views, landmarks or places of heritage significance.
The Code also requires that all facilities comply with Australian health standards for exposure to radio emissions.
The draft code was developed in partnership with the telecommunications industry, local government and other key stakeholders.
The Victoria Planning Provisions will be amended to incorporate the Code of Practice for Telecommunications Facilities in Victoria into all new format-planning schemes across Victoria. This will exempt the construction of telecommunications facilities from needing a permit if they comply with the Code.
(News Release, Office of the Minister for Planning and Local Government, March 24, 1999)