The Commonwealth Government has announced details for the locations and time-frames of the 128 new and upgraded mobile phone towers being delivered across regional WA though the Mobile Black Spot Programme.
The $385 million program is a joint initiative between the Commonwealth Government and the Royalties for Regions funded Regional Telecommunications Project.
Member for Mining and Pastoral said The Nationals WA had unveiled the location of the first 10 mobile phone towers under the Programme last month, and welcomed the full schedule’s release today.
“Information on all 128 phone towers being built in regional WA is now online and easily accessible, so local residents can clearly see when and where mobile coverage will be improved in their area,” Mr Grills said.
“By the end of July 2016, the first 10 sites in WA will be constructed, with many more to follow over the next three years.”
Residents of the Mining and Pastoral Region can expect 28 new or upgraded towers in the 2016-17 financial year, with more to come.
Mobile phone towers sites scheduled for completion in 2016-17 include:
- Beaumont
- Boolathana
- Bullara
- Cape Cuvier
- Cape Range
- Cardabia
- Cave Spring
- Dalyup
- Fisheries Road between Condingup and Neridup
- Goldfields Highway, Kookynie
- Goongarrie
- Grass Patch East
- Inggarda
- Lake Argyle
- Learmonth
- Merivale
- Minilya
- Mt Burdett
- Mt Madden
- Neridup
- Noonkanbah
- Point Quobba
- Ravensthorpe West
- Red Bluff
- Scadden West
- Warroora
- West River
- Yandeyarra
Mr Grills said the Mobile Black Spot Site Locator was an important tool in providing accurate information and transparency around the Programme.
“Constructing so many mobile towers across WA doesn’t happen overnight, and we understand there is anticipation around when and where these will be built, which is why it’s important to keep communities updated on the project,” Mr Grills said.
“The Mobile Black Spot Site Locator is a comprehensive but simple tool allowing communities to follow the rollout. It includes a map to let people search for base stations and information about expected timing, as well as information on the Programme and frequently asked questions. It will be updated on a monthly basis to provide up to date information.”
Mr Gills said there was significant work going on behind the scenes to help facilitate this major infrastructure rollout.
“There are many factors affecting when a site can be completed, including relevant Federal, State and Local government approvals, the scale and complexity of construction required, and whether or not new structures need to be built or existing infrastructure can be used.
“Due to these factors, the website will initially show the expected year of delivery for individual mobile towers, with more detailed information being added as the rollout date draws closer.”
Minister for Regional Development, Terry Redman MLA, announced the full schedule for the jointly funded Commonwealth-Royalties for Regions Mobile Black Spot Programme this week.
“This fantastic collaboration will support more options for business and innovation, bringing considerable opportunities to regional communities,” Mr Redman said.
“Royalties for Regions is playing a significant role in transforming regional WA and I look forward to seeing the digital divide in our regions being further reduced.”
In total, Royalties for Regions has contributed $85 million to improving mobile communications across regional WA since 2012, supporting the rollout of 266 new phone towers.
Visit the new Mobile Black Spot Site Locator at www.telstra.com/blackspots and enter your postcode to see towers in your area.
