Ms FORREST question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT

With regard to the construction of a telecommunications tower in the Granville Harbour area, as part of Telstra’s commitment to regional Australia under the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot program I am informed delays to commencement are due to matters related to Parks and Wildlife Services (PWS):

a. What is the reason for these delays;
b. Have these reasons now been addressed to enable construction; and
c. What is the revised timeline and date for completion and becoming operational?

ANSWER:

The Telstra communication tower at Granville Harbour has followed a standard assessment and lease application process undertaken by the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS).

The communications tower is located in Mount Heemskirk Regional Reserve and therefore must follow the Reserve Activity Assessment (RAA) process.

The RAA was completed in May 2023 and Crown Consent was issued for the development application to be lodged with the West Coast Council.

Following receipt of the planning permit, PWS worked with the Office of the Valuer General (OVG) and the Office of Crown Solicitor (OCS) to prepare the lease agreement.

Telstra provided PWS with a revised site plan on 5 May 2024 to be included in the lease agreement.

The lease agreement was executed on 16 May 2024, enabling the tower to be built, once Telstra have met the agreed conditions under the lease.

Telstra is responsible for the works schedule and for the tower becoming operational.