Telstra backs down on plans for Macedon Ranges 4G tower
A firefighter has warned that lives could be at risk in the event of a bushfire after Telstra decided against installing a phone tower in a Macedon Ranges mobile black spot. And the telecommunications giant gave a vague response for the move.
North West
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A Telstra decision to scrap a new phone tower in the Macedon Ranges could put lives at risk during a bushfire, a firefighter has warned.
The telecommunication company had planned to install a 3G/4G tower in Hockings Lane, Goldie as part of the Federal Government’s National Black Spot Funding scheme.
Telstra spokesman Steve Tinker said the project had run into unforeseen challenges, but would not say what those challenges were.
“Despite our best efforts, we won’t be able to commence with construction of a new mobile base station at Hockings Lane in Goldie,” he said.
“Throughout the planning and approvals processes we have encountered a number of challenges we haven’t been able to resolve.”
Goldie resident and volunteer firefighter Richard Thornton warned it could leave people vulnerable to vital emergency warnings in the case of a bushfire.
“It creates a lot of problems for us because we have no other access to internet at all,” he said.
“Telstra is the only internet provider you can use in this area.
“In the middle of the fire season, you don’t know whether you’re going to get an emergency alert or not.”
More than 3000ha was burnt and four homes were lost in 2015 when a fire breached containment lines in neighbouring Lancefield.
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McEwen federal Labor MP Rob Mitchell said he was aware of the situation and had written to Communications Minister Mitch Fifield about the issue.
“McEwen is riddled with mobile black spots, creating risks particularly on high fire danger days when authorities, families and local communities rely most on mobile phones,” he said.
“In 2014, as Parliamentary Secretary for Communications, Minister Fletcher held a forum in the Mitchell Shire in regard to Mobile Black Spots.
“In the five years since then, there has been no improvement in mobile reception for communities like Goldie.”