As we know, mobile phone coverage in the Valley is, well, sketchy at best. In many areas, it is simply non-existent. Did you know that Kangaroo Valley was identified in 2018 as an official black spot under the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program? We didn’t until recently. That is excellent news as it means we are included in a round of funding to the tune of $60 million to target 125 specific priority locations.
From our discussions with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications and the Budgong Community Group (who have been spearheading this initiative), we are at a stalemate at the site selection step in the process. If we are unable to agree on a new tower site, Kangaroo Valley’s place in the Mobile Black Spot Program will be cancelled. Ten sites from the ‘Priority Locations’ list have already been cancelled with the reason listed as “unable to reach an agreement with land owners”. None of us want that to happen when we have come this far.
We have been told that nearly 30 sites around Kangaroo Valley have been considered and discounted. We are unable to obtain details of those sites due to privacy concerns, which makes the job even more difficult. As an example, at the suggestion of some in the community, we put forward the Vent Tower (part of the Bendeela Road Pumping Station) as a possibility, but were told this was already considered. Telstra and Water NSW (the owner of the Vent Tower) were unable to agree commercial terms and negotiations stopped. NPWS are also reluctant to allow towers to be erected on land they administer, which in most cases is fair enough. Mobile phone towers aren’t very architecturally appealing. However, we won’t let that stop us.
The basic requirements for a mobile phone tower site are:
- Reasonable elevation to maximise coverage
- Flattish 25-50 square metre parcel of land
- 24/7 access to site
- Close proximity to mains power
- Proximity to transmission infrastructure (e.g. fibre cable or microwave tower)
- Negotiable fees to landowner.
If you own a property that you think would be a good place to erect a mobile phone tower (and you are agreeable to it happening), please email us at kvccb-mobiles@kangaroovalley.nsw.au with the details and we will pass them on.
Lastly, if you want to be added to the KVCCB mailing list (which covers more than just mobiles) please send your details (including property address, contact number and email address) to kvccb@kangaroovalley.nsw.au and we will ensure you are added. Our next General Meeting is Tuesday 26 July at 6.30pm in the Kangaroo Valley Hall.
Al Lockyer
Mobile Phone Coverage Working Group Chair
Kangaroo Valley Community Consultative Body