$1 million to boost mobile connectivity at Western Australian surf beaches

The McGowan Government will spend up to $1 million to boost mobile coverage at popular remote surf beaches across the State, improving the safety of beach users.

Mobile coverage upgrades will target 18 surf beaches to be funded under the Regional Telecommunications Project to provide better coverage to support emergency responders as well as providing better coverage for regional communities and visitors.

The locations were chosen in consultation with Surfing WA, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's Shark Response Unit and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.

The popular surf beaches are located along the Western Australian coastline from the Kimberley to the Great Southern region and have been selected as public safety risk areas with poor or no mobile coverage.

The funding has been provided as part of the Surf Beaches Mobile Coverage Grants Program, following the successful installation of a small cell mobile base station at Twilight Beach in Esperance in late 2020.

Applications are now open for service providers to develop proposals to install the equipment at each of the 18 sites.

The program will prioritise proposals that deliver the widest coverage through fit-for-purpose and innovative mobile technologies.

Submissions must be lodged by 5 December 2022 at 5pm (AWST).

As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:

"The plan to provide coverage across these 18 identified beaches will vastly improve the ability to communicate in the case of an emergency.

"These popular beaches were lacking mobile coverage so as part of our commitment to improve connectivity across the State, we have provided the necessary funding through the Surf Beaches Mobile Coverage Grants Program.

"Spending time on our beaches and coastal waters is central to the lifestyle of many Western Australians - this investment helps make that time a little bit safer."

As stated by Fisheries Minister Don Punch:

"Boosting mobile coverage along these remote stretches of WA's coastline is another example of how the McGowan Government is investing in measures which are helping to keep Western Australians safe at the beach.

"Many of the chosen locations are already equipped with BEN signs. The boosted mobile coverage will compliment this project, allowing faster communication during an emergency.

"The ability to communicate quickly with first responders is central to successful outcomes.

"Upgrading mobile coverage at 18 remote surf beaches will enable more people to enjoy the beach and ocean with confidence."

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Popular sites selected under the Surf Beaches Mobile Coverage Grants Program