Mobile coverage in remote towns will soon get a whole lot better for Telstra customers across outback Queensland, with the erection of black spot towers.
Eighteen new or upgraded mobile base stations are being construction in north west Queensland, due to $17.15 million of funding from the federal mobile black spot telecommunications package announced almost two years ago.
Receiving funding in the first round was McKinlay Shire Council. Mayor, Belinda Murphy, said it was an exciting time for communities in the bush, like McKinlay who had no access to this source previously.
“McKinlay was successful at the end of 2015. Through their (Telstra’s) planning the tower wasn’t expected to be build until 2018. This was far too long so we have been pushing for the tower to be build sooner rather than later,” Cr Murphy said.
“I have been talking with Telstra recently they are going to start building in August with completion before Christmas.”
McKinlay may only be a small community of 20 people but is located in the middle of a 300 kilometre black spot stretch between Winton and Cloncurry.
Cr Murphy said McKinlay had Walkabout Creek Hotel, a roadhouse, park and facilities, with the national highway going straight through the town.
“The hole from Winton to Cloncurry is a significant distance to travel without mobile service and that is supported by the fact that it is not a back road it is a national highway and one of the main links through Queensland to the Northern Territory.
“There is so much traffic on that road including locals, tourists, livestock, transport and mining, so this is a really good start that people travelling through for business or pleasure can access that service.”
McKinlay Shire has also been pushing for a Telstra tower for Kynuna, but they were unsuccessful in the first and second round of the black spot program.
“We will keep doing what we can to try and get mobile service to that community as well,” she said.
“There are two local businesses, about 20 residents, plus tourists and businesses travelling through that the tower would assist.
“Council is in the process of building a community park in Kynuna by November 30, and is working with Telstra to get a mobile service to the park as an interim measure.
“It is not a mobile service for the living room but at least it is something that can be advertised for people travelling through who need to make a phone call or send an email.”
McKinlay Shire Council will continue to work with Telstra on the council’s telecommunications plan.
“We don’t believe the sky muster is delivering what the community needs,” Cr Murphy said.
“So we are doing an economic development plan and have made some proposals as to what we can do both within Julia Creek and surrounding towns and properties in the shire, to give them better access to service.”