The McGowan Government has moved to strengthen mobile telecommunications coverage at Twilight Beach in Esperance to improve public safety and emergency response capacity.
A recent fatal shark attack off Cull Island and heightened shark activity near Twilight Beach demonstrated the need for better mobile coverage during an emergency response.
In partnership with Telstra, a TGo repeater will be installed on the roof of the Esperance Goldfields Surf Life Saving Club at Twilight Cove, enabling mobile telecommunications over a 50 square metre area.
This will ensure club members can communicate effectively with other emergency services, report shark sightings promptly via the SharkSmart app or to Water Police, and communicate with boats on the water.
Work continues with the Shire of Esperance and Telstra to develop a longer term solution that will allow broader coverage across a 2.5km area involving the installation of a new satellite-connected small cell, co-funded by Telstra and the State Government's Regional Telecommunications Project.
As stated by Fisheries Minister Peter Tinley:
"The ability to inform beach users of shark activity and communicate quickly with first responders during an emergency is central to our comprehensive Shark Mitigation Strategy.
"We are very pleased to bring about an immediate solution to assist the surf lifesaving club to manage public safety on this stunning, popular beach.
"The longer term plan to provide broader coverage across the 2.5km area will vastly improve the communications ability for the safety of our recreational fishers along this remote stretch of coastline."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"The McGowan Government is committed to improving mobile connectivity across regional Western Australia.
"Investing in infrastructure to support the needs of regional communities, and in this case addressing public safety, is important to building and maintaining a sustainable future for our regions.
"We are working closely with the Esperance Shire and Telstra to find the best option to strengthen mobile coverage across the Twilight Beach area over the long-term."
