We are going to have to wait a little longer for a solution to the mobile phone coverage issues that we face in the Valley.
As we have advised in previous editions of the Voice, we were working with the Federal Government Department of Communications and Telstra on finding a suitable location in the Budgong/Bendeela area for a new mobile phone tower.
In February 2023, Telstra advised that they had exhausted all available possibilities and they were marking the site as ‘frustrated’ with the Department of Communications Mobile Black Spot Program. This is a very disappointing result for our community. It means that the funding that was available from the Federal Government, is now lost to us. There will be no new mobile phone tower in the Budgong/Bendeela areas in the foreseeable future.
The good news is that there is a new round of funding that has been made available from the Federal Government, to the tune of $160m. Telstra have advised that they intend applying for this round of funding with a view to addressing communication issues in the Barrengarry and/or Upper Kangaroo River areas. Applications for this round of funding close in July 2023.
Fingers crossed, this time we’ll get lucky and be able to make reliable mobile phone calls. We will keep you informed as things progress.
If you want to be added to the KVCCB mailing list 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 25 July 2023 at 6:30pm in the Kangaroo Valley Hall.
Al Lockyer