April 21, 2020
Telstra will receive funding to improve mobile phone coverage in the Wratten’s Forest area, Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien announced on Tuesday.
The funding will come from Round 5 of the Federal Government’s $380 million Mobile Black Spot Program.
“Round 5 prioritised community hubs and I am pleased that Telstra will receive funding to improve reception at the Barambah Environmental Education Centre,” Mr O’Brien said.
He said the improved coverage would help increase the Education Centre’s ability to deliver quality programs, as well as providing better service for local residents and travellers.
Mr O’Brien said $3.4 million had been spent from the Mobile Black Spot Program so far in the Wide Bay electorate.
To date, 12 base stations are complete and now on air: Glastonbury, Kin Kin, Maryborough-Biggenden Road, Widgee, Wooloolga, Maaroom, Pomona-Kin Kin Road, Tansey, Wide Bay Highway at Cinnabar, Windera, Yerra and Poona.
New infrastructure at blackspots on Boreen Point, Cootharaba Road, Wide Bay Highway at Oakview, Central Stations Camp Ground and Eugarie at Fraser Island are expected to be completed this year.
UPDATE April 22: Base stations will also be built at Cooranga North (Telstra), Cooyar (Optus), Kingaroy (Optus), Linville (Telstra) and Memerambi (Optus).
