The plantation on Table Top Road is the only site under investigation by NBN Co after a previous location in Perryman Lane was scrapped following a public backlash.

NBN Co is working with Norske Skog to pinpoint a location within the plantation.

An NBN Co spokesperson said the plantation site was strongly supported by residents who had voiced their opposition to the previous site in August.

Aboriginal elders had claimed the original site would threaten scarred trees that were important Aboriginal heritage.

“Once a design has been finalised within the pine plantation, NBN Co intends to re-run a public consultation process with the local community,” the spokesperson said.

“As a part of this process, all community members who have previously been involved with this project will be notified and provided with a chance to make comment on the new design.

“Residents and landowners in close proximity to the plantation will also be contacted and provided with a chance to make comment.”

NBN Co said the site would not need development approval.

“Our team is working with Norske Skog to finalise a location, as well as resolve some site specific issues in the facility’s design,” it said.

“While our original intent was to have this process commenced in the fourth quarter of 2014, the process to finalise a design has taken longer than expected.

“We now anticipate community consultation will occur in late January or early February, with a review of the consultation findings to take place in early March.

“NBN Co will subsequently make a decision on the Table Top site and the community will be advised of NBN Co’s plans.”

Table Top resident Sarah Schmidt welcomed the pine plantation site.

“It looks a really good option,” she said.

“There are houses in the area, but they are not right underneath as would have been the case with the other site they looked at.”