- Mobile coverage boosted at six popular surf beaches along the Esperance coast to improve safety
- Cook Labor Government's Surf Beaches Mobile Coverage Grants Program expanding mobile connectivity across regional Western Australia
- Part of the Cook Labor Government's commitment to keep regional communities connected
The Cook Labor Government is boosting mobile coverage at six popular surf beaches along the Esperance coast to help keep beachgoers safe and support emergency services.
Six Cel-Fi repeater towers have now been completed and commissioned at Wharton Beach, Observatory Beach, Alexander Bay, and the 9, 10, and 11 Mile Beaches as part of the $2 million commitment to round two of the Surf Beaches Mobile Coverage Grants Program.
Powertec Telecommunications has delivered the infrastructure to provide better mobile connectivity to regional and remote beaches used by tourists and locals for swimming, surfing, camping, fishing, snorkelling, and other recreational activities.
The six new Esperance repeaters are the first of 35 which will be installed along the Western Australian coast as part of round two of the program.
Round one of the program delivered 12 repeaters at beaches in the Pilbara, Wheatbelt, South West, and Great Southern.
Beach Emergency Number signs are located near the six Esperance repeater locations, with the improved mobile connectivity enabling enhanced emergency service response times to support public safety.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development worked in consultation with Surfing WA, Esperance Tjaltjraak Native Title Aboriginal Corporation, Goldfields-Esperance Development Commission, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and the Shire of Esperance throughout the project, from identifying suitable locations to facilitating the commissioning of the Esperance repeaters.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Stephen Dawson:
"The Cook Labor Government is committed to improving telecommunications across regional Western Australia to keep communities safe and connected.
"Delivering reliable mobile coverage at popular surfing locations plays an integral role in communicating quickly and effectively during an emergency and also supports regional businesses to operate with confidence."
As stated by Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"Improving mobile coverage around popular regional surf spots will help keep Western Australians safer when they are out on the water.
"These six new repeaters will also strengthen our Beach Emergency Number network, helping people contact emergency services quickly and giving first responders the information they need to get to an incident sooner.
"In an emergency, every minute counts, and better mobile coverage can make a real difference."
As stated by Goldfields-Esperance Minister David Michael:
"Esperanceisrenownedforitssurfbeaches, with its unique white sands and turquoise waters a major drawcard for visitors and locals.
"Boosting mobile coverage at these popular Esperance surf beaches is great not only for the local community but also visitors to be able to explore our South Coast with confidence."
