NBN Co Takes Eco-Friendly Step with Nesting Platforms on Fixed Wireless Towers

NBN Co is taking a thoughtful and environmentally responsible approach to ensuring that its infrastructure development does not interfere with the natural habitats of wildlife, particularly birds, by installing designated nesting platforms on top of its fixed wireless towers. These platforms are designed specifically for birds to nest undisturbed by the technical maintenance required on the towers, helping to protect wildlife while maintaining the functionality of the country’s telecommunications network.

Since December 2023, NBN Co has installed seven nesting platforms across New South Wales and Queensland, with plans to erect an additional eight platforms in these regions. The platforms, constructed by the tower manufacturer Leblanc, are strategically positioned above the active equipment, ensuring that birds can establish their nests safely and without causing disruption to the critical infrastructure below. This initiative is an innovative solution that allows NBN Co to continue providing high-quality services to its customers while safeguarding the welfare of local wildlife.

The need for these platforms arose after NBN Co identified a growing issue of bird nests obstructing access to key components of its wireless towers, such as antennas and dishes. These nests, typically built by species like eastern ospreys, peregrine falcons, and Torresian crows, often obstruct the ability of technicians to perform necessary maintenance and repairs without disturbing the birds. By providing dedicated platforms for nesting above the operational equipment, NBN Co has been able to reduce the likelihood of interference with maintenance schedules while simultaneously providing a safe space for birds to nest.

Currently, NBN Co operates over 2,400 fixed wireless towers across Australia, with more than 500 towers having been identified as having nesting wildlife. The company’s commitment to creating and maintaining these nesting platforms reflects its broader responsibility to balance the growth of its telecommunications infrastructure with the protection of natural environments. The platforms are carefully designed, taking up to three months to complete each one, to ensure that both the birds’ needs and the network’s operational requirements are met.

Casie Scott, the regional development and engagement manager at NBN Co, emphasized the company’s dedication to minimizing any negative impacts of its large-scale infrastructure on the environment. She stated that protecting natural environments has always been a core responsibility for NBN Co, especially as the company manages one of Australia’s largest infrastructure projects. With the introduction of these bird platforms marking the first nesting season in which such measures have been implemented, NBN Co is demonstrating a proactive approach to balancing technological progress with environmental sustainability.

This initiative is a commendable example of how large infrastructure projects can balance technological advancement with environmental stewardship. By adopting innovative solutions like the installation of bird nesting platforms, NBN Co is not only reducing its ecological footprint but also fostering a harmonious coexistence between infrastructure development and wildlife preservation. This forward-thinking approach ensures that vital services, such as high-speed broadband, continue to be delivered efficiently while safeguarding the natural habitats of local species.

In prioritizing sustainability, NBN Co sets a benchmark for other companies in the telecommunications and infrastructure sectors. As more industries face growing pressures to adopt greener practices and minimize environmental impact, NBN Co’s proactive measures serve as a clear example of how businesses can take meaningful action to protect the environment without compromising service quality. This commitment to both innovation and ecological responsibility underscores the importance of sustainability in shaping the future of technology and infrastructure, particularly as the world moves towards an increasingly interconnected and environmentally-conscious era.