MOBILE phone and digital connectivity in the bushfire affected Keilira area will receive a boost following a $891,700 tripartite funding agreement to install an additional tower in the rural community.
The State Government will provide $663,360 to deliver a second tower in the district, with Telstra contributing $178,340 and Kingston District Council providing $50,000.
It follows the Federal Government funding an Optus tower in the area through its $380m Mobile Black Spot Program, which was announced in April and answered the community’s call for improved telecommunications in the wake of the summer bushfire.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone said digital connection was vital for regional communities.
“The Limestone Coast community has long been calling for a black spot solution and we are excited to be able to deliver this,” he said.
“Digital connectivity is vital for people living in regional areas, especially at a time like this, when COVID-19 restrictions mean many families are in isolation and relying on their mobile phones or the internet to stay connected.”
The project’s progression was unexpected by council – which has lobbied for improved telecommunications in the Keilira district for several years – with a special meeting called late last week to consider its contribution.
While council explored the possibility of using bushfire recovery grants to fund its $50,000 contribution, the local government body remained committed to using the funding for other projects, including vegetation and road maintenance as a direct result of the bushfire.
“However, in listening and responding to the needs of our community, it was overwhelmingly obvious that a Telstra solution would ultimately benefit a far-reaching cross section of the community, including locals and passers-by,” Kingston Mayor Kay Rasheed said.
“Signal continuity and compatibility to existing communication plans and providers is key here, as is recognising that a majority of rural businesses, who would also benefit from the project, are Telstra customers.
“Having both an Optus and Telstra solution available to our community, with a majority of the funds being tipped in by the state and federal governments was far too good an opportunity to pass up.”
Council unanimously voted to support the project with a $50,000 contribution made available in its 2021/22 operational budget.
Member for MacKillop Nick McBride said the long-awaited phone tower was essential for businesses to stay connected and emergency services to be responsive.
“A reliable mobile phone service makes a significant difference for families, individuals and businesses living and working in remote areas,” he said.
“This will improve safety for those in the Keilira area as well as open up new economic opportunities.”
Telstra South Australia regional general manager Mark Bolton said having mobile coverage in an emergency could make a huge difference for people living in regional areas.
