The Eyre Peninsula Local Government Association (EPLGA) is calling on the next South Australian Government to commit $8 million toward the construction of up to 10 new mobile towers.
EPLGA President and Kimba District Council Mayor, Dean Johnson said mobile connectivity was a critical challenge constraining economic growth, service delivery and community wellbeing.
“Here in the Eyre Peninsula we’ve got communities spread across an incredibly large area, with a lot of our region held back by unreliable or non-existent mobile coverage,” said Mayor Johnson.
“This is especially the case once you venture outside townships, and it’s affecting almost every aspect of our lives.
“Primary industries increasingly rely on digital technologies, road safety and emergency response are compromised, and residents, businesses and visitors struggle to access essential online services that our friends and families in metropolitan communities take for granted.”
In response, the EPLGA has partnered with Telstra and 10 councils – Whyalla, Port Lincoln, Ceduna, Elliston, Franklin Harbour, Kimba, Streaky Bay, Tumby Bay, Lower Eyre and Wudinna – to identify priority areas where improved mobile coverage is urgently needed.
The group is currently finalising eight to 10 critical locations for new mobile towers, based on current service gaps and anticipated population, industry and tourism growth.
The estimated cost of constructing the new towers is between $15 million and $20 million.
“To unlock Federal funding, we need a clear commitment from the State Government to partner with us,” Mayor Johnson said.
“An $8 million State contribution would significantly strengthen our efforts to secure federal support and deliver long-term benefits for regional safety, productivity and liveability.
“Improving mobile connectivity is no longer a luxury – it’s essential infrastructure for a modern regional economy,” he said.
