The State of Victoria owns several sought-after telecommunication sites across Victoria, Australia.

The Department of Justice and Community Safety manages a number of these sites on behalf of the State of Victoria.

Anyone interested in becoming a tenant of one or more of these sites should contact the Emergency Management Technology and Data team within the department.

Application process

To apply for a tenancy, these are the steps to follow:

  • Step 1 – Contact us and request an initial assessment
  • Step 2 – Detailed design
  • Step 3 – Commercial discussion
  • Step 4 – Facility access
  • Step 5 – Build completion and inspection
  • Step 6 – Ongoing operations and maintenance.

Step 1 – Contact us to request an initial assessment

Contact the EM Technology and Data team at VicTransceiverSites@justice.vic.gov.au (External link). 

The team will send you the necessary application forms. 

You will be assigned a point of contact. This person can guide you through the requirements to submit your application.

The department 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.

Step 2 – Detail your design

Once Step 1 has been approved, applicants who wish to progress should prepare their detailed design and submit for review and approval. 

No on-site work can take place at this stage.

Step 3 – Discuss the commercial contract

Once Step 2 has been accepted and approved, the department will determine the schedule of rates based on the agreed Step 2 submission.

Licence terms will be discussed at this point. A legally binding licence agreement will be created.

Step 4 – Facility access

At this step you must demonstrate you have the insurances and permits needed to have access to the site. 

Insurance

It is important that you obtain insurance for your equipment installation prior to construction. 

Your insurance must remain active throughout the duration of the licence agreement. 

This protects both the underlying landowner and respective facility owner(s). The specific requirements are detailed in the licence agreement.

Notice to proceed

If permits are required, you will need to submit the following documents showing your public liability insurance details:

  • executed licence agreement
  • general contractor information
  • relevant OHS&E information (SWMS, JSA, MOP, etc.)
  • evidence of personnel qualifications for any structural, electrical and environmental works performed.

The department will the provide you approval to proceed with your installation on site.

Licence starts

Depending on the terms of the agreement, the licence begins, 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.

Step 5 – Build completion and inspection

When your build is complete, contact us. The department will conduct a joint site inspection to verify your installation is according to the design approved in Step 2. 

You will need to work with the department to rectify non-conformances or variations to the drawings and licence agreement promptly.

You then submit all agreed documentation and specifications for equipment as installed.

The department will update all legislated site records (RCSMB, etc.) once this documentation is provided by you.

Step 6 – Ongoing operations and maintenance

You are now responsible for the normal operation of your installation. 

You will need to maintain all requirements in the licence agreement making sure the site is secure by following all procedures provided during Step 4.

Fees

Be aware that during this process, that there may be fees applied (or cost recovery) for necessary activities.

For example:

  • Step 1 may involve fees for the feasibility assessment.
  • Step 2 may involve the fees for a technical consultant’s assessment.
  • Step 3 may involve fees for legal consultations.
  • Step 5 may involve fees for inspections and certification of your new installation.

This is not a full list of the fees that may apply.