Telford and Burramine are townships of Moira Shire, mobile connectivity was not ideal prior to the 3G shutdown but was manageable. However, since the change, service has been inconsistent, particularly during the peak summer tourist season, with frequent "SOS only" signals and minimal data connectivity. The signal is the worst on surrounding roads between Wilby Burramine, and Telford. This change has affected both personal safety and business operations. Emergency response applications like BART and SAS are unreliable, and communication delays have caused a delay in emergency response.
Co-contributions:
• Willing to discuss potential co-contributions (financial and/or in-kind) with program applicants
State or Territory:
WA
Community Location:
Karrakup
Description of community needs:
Mobile phone black spots along Nettleton Road, between Admiral Road South and Mandejal Road, create significant safety and communication issues for residents and emergency responders.
This area, including parts of Byford and Karrakup, experienced a recent bushfire emergency warning on January 22nd, 2024.
The black spots limit residents' ability to call for help and receive critical alerts and hinder emergency responders' coordination.
The goal is to improve mobile connectivity, enhancing safety, emergency access and communication during crises, fostering a more resilient community.
Co-contributions:
• Willing to discuss potential co-contributions (financial and/or in-kind) with program applicants
State or Territory:
SA
Community Location:
Naracoorte, Cadgee, Hynam, Kybybolite, Coonawarra, Millicent
Description of community needs:
Community feedback has identified many locations in MacKillop with significant connectivity issues which appear to have been further impacted by the recent shut-down of the 3G network.
This lack of service has severe consequences. Mobile coverage is critical for emergency communication and access to assistance in rural and regional areas.
These areas include prime agricultural, viticulture and farming land requiring good coverage for safety and business connectivity and also forestry industries which are at significantly higher risk from bushfires. Poor mobile reception can hinder the ability to receive emergency warnings and assistance.
Co-contributions:
• Willing to discuss potential co-contributions (financial and/or in-kind) with program applicants
State or Territory:
VIC
Community Location:
Hamilton
Description of community needs:
North of Hamilton in Victoria is a mobile phone black spot, especially during emergencies. A local resident has advised that while fighting fires in these areas, phone service was unreliable, making it difficult to extract important information or contact emergency services. This lack of reliable communication in such a critical region urgently needs attention to ensure the safety of residents and enable an effective emergency response. Reliable mobile coverage is essential for both daily communication and critical situations, highlighting the need for immediate improvements in service.
State or Territory:
VIC
Community Location:
Corangamite Lake Road - suburbs include Cororooke, Alvie, Dreeite, South Dreeite, Cundare, Cundare South
Description of community needs:
Corangamite Lake Road, stretching through Cororooke, Alvie, Dreeite, South Dreeite, Cundare, and Cundare South, is a vital rural route with limited mobile coverage. The lack of service impacts safety, emergency response, and communication for residents, especially in remote areas. Local businesses and farmers also struggle with poor connectivity, affecting daily operations. Improving mobile coverage along this road would enhance communication, improve safety, and support local businesses, ensuring residents can stay connected and access essential services.
State or Territory:
NSW
Community Location:
Wymah
Description of community needs:
Wymah is rural area situated in proximity to the Hume reservoir. The road through the area is increasing in popularity as a tourist route and the lack of telecommunications is an issue when accidents happen as it can be very difficult to contact emergency services. In addition, the lack of telecommunications in the area presents major concerns during bushfires. Addressing the blackspot at Wymah will not only benefit the local community it will also benefit the Victorian communities of Granya and Talgarno which are located on the other side of the Hume Weir and experience the same issues in relation to traffic accidents and bushfires.
State or Territory:
NSW
Community Location:
Baradine surrnds, betwn Coonabarabran & Coolah (via Warrumbungle Way, Black Stump Way & Neilrex Rd), Oxley Hwy (Coonabarabran–Mullaley), Purlewaugh & Ulamambri areas, prts of Warrumbungle Natl Park & Coolah Tops Natl Park, Castlereagh Hwy around Mendooran
Description of community needs:
Location: Baradine surrounds, key routes between Coonabarabran and Coolah (via Warrumbungle Way, Black Stump Way, and Neilrex Road), the Oxley Highway (Coonabarabran to Mullaley), Purlewaugh and Ulamambri areas, parts of Warrumbungle National Park and Coolah Tops National Park, and the Castlereagh Highway around Mendooran, including Mendooran Road.
Community feedback has identified many locations in MacKillop with significant connectivity issues which appear to have been further impacted by the recent shut-down of the 3G network.
Warrumbungle Shire faces significant mobile coverage challenges due to its rugged topography, dense bushland, and remote rural landscapes. The region's hilly terrain and thick vegetation cause natural interference with mobile signals, while areas are also prone to bushfires, often triggered by lightning strikes, which can damage telecommunications infrastructure. Additionally, radio frequency interference from the landscape affects existing towers, highlighting the need for additional towers to strengthen network reliability.
Flood-prone low-lying areas further exacerbate the issue by isolating remote communities and properties during emergencies, cutting them off from vital communication when it's needed most.
As an agriculture-driven region, many remote properties rely heavily on reliable telecommunications for business operations, emergency response, and daily communications.
State or Territory:
VIC
Community Location:
Kawarren
Description of community needs:
Kawarren, Victoria, is a rural area with limited mobile phone coverage, affecting residents, businesses, and visitors. The Old Beech Rail Trail, a popular destination for tourists, suffers from poor coverage, making it difficult for visitors to navigate or contact emergency services. Additionally, there is a black spot along the Colac-Lavers Hill Road, which has improved in recent years but still lacks coverage for about 800 meters. This gap in coverage poses a safety risk, especially for travelers and locals who rely on mobile phones for communication. Improving mobile coverage in these areas would enhance safety, connectivity, and support.
State or Territory:
SA
Community Location:
Keith, Sherwood, Bordertown, Frances, Western Flat, Padthaway, Lucindale, Avenue Range
Description of community needs:
Community feedback has identified many locations in MacKillop with significant connectivity issues which appear to have been further impacted by the recent shut-down of the 3G network.
This lack of service has severe consequences. Mobile coverage is critical for emergency communication and access to assistance in rural and regional areas.
There are major freight routes carting livestock, grain and produce in these areas. Many locations along these roads have limited mobile coverage impeding safety and effective business operations. Reliable mobile coverage is vital in mitigating the impact of road crashes.
Co-contributions:
• Willing to discuss potential co-contributions (financial and/or in-kind) with program applicants
State or Territory:
VIC
Community Location:
Ferguson
Description of community needs:
Ferguson, Victoria has faced worsening mobile phone coverage since the decommissioning of the 3G network. The lack of reliable service affects residents, businesses, and emergency response, as many areas now experience poor or no reception. Local businesses struggle with customer service and logistics, while residents are unable to receive important communications or contact emergency services when needed. Upgrading mobile coverage in Ferguson is essential to ensure safety, connectivity, and economic well-being for the community, especially during emergencies where communication is critical.
