Nature of the issue—ongoing issues with NBN and mobile reception. No 5G, only one to two bars of 4G which frequently drops out with poor weather.
Impacts of the issue—lower SES area with a great number of elderly residents and housing.
Natural Disasters—area has been impacted by multiple natural disaster events, and recurrent flooding of Taranganba Rd cutting off the suburb.
Other relevant information—area includes primary school and early childhood centre.
State or Territory:
QLD
Community Location:
Rockyview
Description of community needs:
Nature of the issue - surrounding areas have adequate 4G reception but there is a 3 kilometre stretch without reception. Impacts of the issue - road is used regularly as a thoroughfare for commuters to/from Yeppoon. Other relevant information - Rural Fire Brigade impacted. Service impacts near Millers Road.
State or Territory:
QLD
Community Location:
489 Kattabul-Mount Jukes Road, Kattabul
Description of community needs:
Residents and local farmers experience extreme difficulty in taking calls, sending messages and accessing internet services.
In an event of a natural disaster 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:
SA
Community Location:
Townships and surrounding areas of Brukunga, Dawesley, Harrogate and Kanmantoo.
Description of community needs:
The townships and surrounding areas of Brukunga, Harrogate, Dawesley, and Kanmantoo suffer from severe mobile, phone and internet connectivity issues, endangering lives during emergencies and impacting daily living.
The 2019–2020 Cudlee Creek bushfires exposed critical failures, leaving residents and emergency services without vital communication. Vulnerable populations, businesses, and telehealth access remain impacted.
A Digital Connectivity Plan with Telstra, NBN, and Mount Barker District Council is in place. Urgent action is needed to ensure safety, resilience, and economic stability in these communities.
Co-contributions:
• Willing to discuss potential co-contributions (financial and/or in-kind) with program applicants
State or Territory:
NSW
Community Location:
Allsworth
Description of community needs:
The area is very prone to bushfires and flooding, with conditions that can change in a very short period. Without fast and timely communication options, many lives are at risk, all of which is compounded by only having one egress-ingress road.
Mobile phone signal has been very unreliable and patchy. Some residents installed rooftop boosters to get a better signal with some success. However, since the closure of 3G boosters they barely get a signal. Landline back up is not an option as the copper wire network has been allowed to deteriorate so much it is now totally unreliable.
State or Territory:
VIC
Community Location:
Darraweit Guim
Description of community needs:
Darraweit Guim has severe mobile black spots, impacting emergency response and daily communication. In 2022, floods cut off roads, leaving residents without reliable contact. The 2014 Mickleham-Kilmore bushfire burned 95% of the local CFA zone, highlighting the critical need for better coverage. Poor reception limits emergency calls, putting lives at risk. Macedon Shire Council, Darraweit Gium CFA, and community groups support improved mobile service to enhance safety and resilience in disasters. Reliable coverage is essential for emergency alerts, community safety, and daily connectivity.
State or Territory:
QLD
Community Location:
Taroomball & Lammermoor
Description of community needs:
Nature of the issue—Located in a new estate (<5yrs) there are ongoing issues with NBN and mobile reception. No 5G availability, and only one to two bars of 4G which frequently drops out with poor weather.
Natural Disasters—area has been impacted by multiple natural disaster events, and recurrent flooding of Taranganba Rd cutting off the suburb.
Other relevant information—area includes primary school and early childhood centres.
State or Territory:
QLD
Community Location:
142 Fourteenth Avenue, Home Hill
Description of community needs:
Residents and local farmers experience extreme difficulty in taking calls, sending messages and accessing internet services.
In an event of a natural disaster 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:
VIC
Community Location:
Milltown
Description of community needs:
Milltown, Victoria, faces challenges with mobile coverage, affecting safety and communication for residents and freight operators. As a key freight route, improved 5G coverage would enhance emergency response, allowing faster access to services and real-time updates. Reliable mobile connectivity would also support local businesses and boost economic growth. Better coverage would bridge the digital divide, improving access to essential services and information, ultimately strengthening the community and ensuring safer travel and transport along this important route.
State or Territory:
QLD
Community Location:
136 Geeberga Buthurra Road, Kattabul
Description of community needs:
The Dawson electorate is susceptible to natural disasters, high road fatalities and home to one of the largest agriculture producing regions in Queensland. As a regional area, the Dawson electorate has the Bruce Highway that runs directly through it and unfortunately is known as the worst Highway in Australia for fatalities. Telecommunications is extremely vital in ensuring road users can contact emergency services in the event of an accident. Dawson is also dependent on telecommunications for accessing support services during natural disasters. They play a vital role in managing and mitigating the impacts of natural disasters in the region.
