(Photo: Nanango Electorate Office)
July 5, 2024
Member for Nanango Deb Frecklington says persistence has paid off with essential communications technology to be improved for emergency services in the Booubyjan area.
Mrs Frecklington said she has been advocating for an analogue repeater to be installed at the Mount Marcella communications tower at Booubyjan for more than two years after the devastating floods of January 2022.
“There’s no doubt the analogue repeater should have been installed sooner than this, however it is welcome news that finally our emergency services will have access to better communications when they are in the Booubyjan area,” she said.
“The Booubyjan district was heavily impacted by the flooding events 2022 and emergency crews were severely hampered by lack of access to communications technology while they were working in the area as there is no mobile reception.
“The Burnett Highway also runs through this district, and unfortunately emergency services are frequently called to this stretch of road due to the high number of road accidents which often involve fatalities.
“The Labor Government tried to dismiss the need, saying the WAVE PTX system used by the firies would be sufficient, however, the WAVE booster system cannot boost mobile reception when there isn’t any in the first place.
“With no mobile reception, emergency crews have been at a severe disadvantage when trying to carry out their duties.
“On behalf of the crew at the Goomeri Fire and Rescue Station, I have been asking for this technology to be installed.
“The repeater will extend emergency communications in a wide range from Gayndah to Goomeri and should be in place by the end of 2024.
“I am so pleased to have achieved this emergency communications technology for the Booubyjan community and our hard-working emergency services teams.”
