Residents and local farmers experience extreme difficulty in taking calls, sending messages and accessing internet services.
In an event of a natural disaster this could result in lack of access to information and placing additional pressure on emergency services.
Telecommunications is extremely vital in ensuring road users can contact emergency services in the event of an accident on the notoriously dangerous Bruce Highway.
It is also known that terrain impacts signal from towers and on large agricultural properties, loss of telecommunications hinders their productivity and knowing if they are hurt in the paddock, they can call for help.
State or Territory:
NSW
Community Location:
Wytaliba, Ben Nevis Road, Glen Elgin Road, Graham Valley Road, Pattersons Road, Pinkett Road, Shannon Vale Road, Strathbogie Road, Tent Hill Road, Mount Mitchell
Description of community needs:
There are many communities and roads in the New England and Upper Hunter regions, including these locations in the Glen Innes Severn Council area, where mobile phone coverage is limited, problematic or non-existent, creating major issues for residents and businesses, particularly during times of emergency. These regions are susceptible to natural disasters, including bushfires and floods, and mobile communications are of critical importance during these events.
State or Territory:
NSW
Community Location:
Sandy Hollow, Baerami, Widden Valley, Martindale, Top end Bylong Valley Way communities, Yarrawa, Bureen, Giants Creek, Gungal, Wybong
Description of community needs:
There are many communities and roads in the New England and Upper Hunter regions, including these locations in the Muswellbrook Shire Council area, where mobile phone coverage is limited, problematic or non-existent, creating major issues for residents and businesses, particularly during times of emergency. These regions are susceptible to natural disasters, including bushfires and floods, and mobile communications are of critical importance during these events.
State or Territory:
SA
Community Location:
Limestone Coast: Mount Burr; Canunda; Tantanoola; Southend; Southern Ports Highway; Overland Track, Millicent; Rendlesham; Mt McIntyre; Moorak; Kalangadoo; Bittners Rd, Nangwarry; Maaoupe; Glenelg River SA, Glenelg River Road, Caveton; Lark Pl, Mt Gambier
Description of community needs:
Contributing approximately $4.6 billion to the South Australian economy in the 2022, the Limestone Coast generates over 30% of the state's GDP through its agricultural sector. The regions natural landscapes of caves and coasts, as well as food and wine experiences also support a strong tourism sector. Mobile reception is critical for business operations and economic growth of the region.
The region is high risk of significant bush fire events, as well as road trauma along its major freight routes between Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. Many localities in this region have experienced a loss in mobile reception following the 3G switch over.
State or Territory:
NSW
Community Location:
Batemans Bay – Mogo
Description of community needs:
Telstra mobile reception along the Princes Highway (Batemans Bay – Mogo) is nearly non-existent, affecting Eurobodalla Botanic Garden (70,000+ visitors), Mogo Mountain Bike Trail, Deep Creek Dam, and essential travel routes.
Safety risk: No service for emergencies or hospital transfers. Business and tourism loss: Visitors struggle with navigation, payments, and communication.
Proposal: Improve Telstra infrastructure to enhance safety, connectivity, and support local businesses and tourism.
Co-contributions:
• Willing to discuss potential co-contributions (financial and/or in-kind) with program applicants
State or Territory:
NSW
Community Location:
Batemans Bay and Mogo
Description of community needs:
Severe mobile black spots between Batemans Bay and Mogo, impacting the Mogo Bike Trail and Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens. Poor coverage on the Princes Highway, affecting road safety during traffic incidents. Limited service for 20km north of Cullendulla Rd into Shoalhaven. As a result, safety risks exist for trail users, tourists, and emergency response. There is a significant service gap for a high-use tourist area. Mobile infrastructure upgrades required to improve safety, tourism, and emergency response.
Co-contributions:
• Willing to discuss potential co-contributions (financial and/or in-kind) with program applicants
State or Territory:
NSW
Community Location:
Worrigee – Kiola
Description of community needs:
Constituent who lives at 6 Glasford Crescent, Kioloa and has quite a lot of issues with reception. They need to walk around the house trying to find the best spot to get a few bars. The service has improved a little since putting on the internet. Telstra advised them to turn on WiFi calling which has helped.
They advise there are quite a few elderly people around them and one gentleman in particular needs to come over and use my WiFi to get in touch with people. This isn't very safe. Holiday season is the worst time for lack of reception. The 2019/20 bushfires were so bad for mobile reception.
Co-contributions:
• Willing to discuss potential co-contributions (financial and/or in-kind) with program applicants
State or Territory:
NSW
Community Location:
Guerilla Bay, NSW 2536
Description of community needs:
Guerilla Bay does not have consistent cell tower access and is quite often left without coverage. In the event that Guerilla Bay looses electricity or landline, similar to what occurred in the 2019-2020 fires, residents would have no communication at all.
State or Territory:
NSW
Community Location:
Worrigee, between Tomerong and Island Point Road on the Princes Highway
Description of community needs:
Constituent uses Telstra as provider. Advises that between Tomerong and Island Point Road on the Princes Highway they experience mobile blackspots everytime they drive this stretch of road.
Co-contributions:
• Willing to discuss potential co-contributions (financial and/or in-kind) with program applicants
State or Territory:
NSW
Community Location:
Shoalhaven Heads
Description of community needs:
Optus and Telstra reception issues in Shoalhaven Heads (homes and stores), Berrys Bay to Two Figs Winery, and much of Budgong. Limited or no coverage impacts residents, businesses, and emergency services. There are safety risks for workers and residents, especially in remote areas. Disruptions to businesses and essential services. New mobile infrastructure required to ensure consistent and reliable coverage in these black spot areas.
Co-contributions:
• Willing to discuss potential co-contributions (financial and/or in-kind) with program applicants
