Does the code require telecommunications carriers to notify and consult with local councils and the community before deploying infrastructure at new sites?
Carriers are required to notify and consult with local councils and the community before deploying infrastructure at new sites, but only where development applications (DAs) are not required. Where DAs are required, consultation will happen in the DA process. Sections 5.4 and 5.5 of the code require carriers to notify councils in writing and meet minimum consultation requirements when consulting with local communities about installation of radiocommunications facilities at new sites that do not require a DA approval. The notification to council must set out information including the carrier’s proposed community consultation strategy for the site. The carrier must allow council five business days to provide comments in writing about the community consultation plan. The council may request in writing an extension period of five business days for this purpose. The carrier must not proceed with the consultation process before it has considered and responded in writing to all of the issues
