The State of Victoria owns a number of sought-after telecommunication sites across Victoria, Australia.
Since 2012, the Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) manages these sites on behalf of the State of Victoria.
Anyone interested in becoming a tenant of one or more of these sites should contact ESTA:
- by emailing co-locations@esta.vic.gov.au
- by calling 03 8656 1200 during business hours and asking to speak to the Manager – Managed Services.
Process
ESTA employs a 6-level process for managing all changes and additions.
Level 1 – Request for initial assessment
ESTA will provide you with all necessary application forms and provide you a point of contact who can guide you through the requirements for submitting the application.
ESTA will conduct a feasibility analysis of your application including but not limited to:
- ground space availability
- tower space availability
- power supply availability
- radio frequency interference studies.
Level 2 – Detailed design
Once Level 1 has been approved, applicants who wish to progress with the co-location process should prepare their detailed design and submit for ESTA’s review and approval. No on-site work can commence at this stage.
Level 3 – Commercial contract
Once Level 2 has been accepted and approved, ESTA will determine the Schedule of Rates based on the agreed Level 2 submission. You are now ready to discuss license terms with ESTA which will be captured into a legally binding License Agreement.
Level 4 – Facility access
Insurance
It is important that you obtain insurance for your equipment installation prior to construction. Your insurance must remain in effect throughout the duration of the Site Agreement. This protects both the underlying landowner and respective facility owner(s). The specific requirements are detailed in the License Agreement.
Notice to proceed
You will be required to submit the following documents to obtain permits (if required):
- Public Liability insurance details
- executed License Agreement
- general contractor information
- relevant OHS&E information (SWMS, JSA, MOP, etc.)
- evidence of personnel qualifications for any structural, electrical and environmental works performed.
ESTA will now provide you with approval to proceed with your installation on site.
License commencement
Depending on the terms of the agreement, the license commences and you start paying rent to the State. The commencement date is typically within 30 days of execution or the date you install your equipment.
Level 5 – Build completion and inspection
Upon your advice of build completion, ESTA will arrange for a joint site inspection to verify installation according to the approved Level 2 design. You agree to work with ESTA and rectify non-conformances or variations to the drawings and Licence Agreement promptly.
You will be required to submit all agreed documentation and specifications for equipment as installed.
ESTA will update all legislated site records (RCSMB, etc.) upon receipt of your documentation.
Level 6 – Ongoing operations and maintenance
You now enter into normal operation of your installation and maintain all requirements in the License Agreement ensuring the site is secure by following all procedures provided in Level 4 – Facility Access.
Fees
Be aware that during this process, in some circumstances, progression to the next level could lead to the possibility of additional fees (or cost recovery) being applied.
For example:
- Level 2 may involve a technical consultant’s assessment
- Level 3 may involve legal consultation.
Reviewed 15 March 2023