Mobile Black Spot Program Round 8—Project Noticeboard

Pirron Yallack is located along the Princes Highway, situated between Camperdown and Colac. A key priority for Colac Otway Shire Council is improving mobile phone coverage in Pirron Yallack, with essential upgrades to 5G coverage required. 

The Princes Highway is a critical freight route connecting the South Australian border to Geelong and is also a busy road serving as an entry point for travellers heading to the Great Ocean Road. Given the area's importance for both local residents and passing travellers, reliable mobile phone coverage is imperative for communication, safety, and emergency response.

Colac West, located along the Princes Highway, is home to Colac's industrial estate and is one of the largest towns in the Wannon electorate.

A key priority for Colac Otway Shire Council is improving mobile phone coverage in Colac West. The Princes Highway is a critical freight route connecting the South Australian border to Geelong and serves as a busy road for travellers heading to the Great Ocean Road.

Given the area's significance for local businesses, residents, and passing travellers, reliable mobile coverage is crucial for communication, safety, and emergency response.

Carlisle River, a rural village in the Otway Ranges (30 kilometres south-west of Colac), has a population of 135, which surges in summer, straining mobile phone reception.

During a recent Extreme Fire Danger day, local firefighter Chris, stationed at the CFA, was unable to contact his Captain due to network congestion from visitors.

Improving mobile coverage would ensure better communication for emergency services, particularly CFA volunteers, during high fire danger days, enabling timely responses and enhancing safety in the area.
 

The peri-urban fringe and rural areas of Jagajaga, including Henley Road, Wattle Glen Road, and Yarra Glen Road in Kangaroo Ground, face significant connectivity and infrastructure challenges. Yarra Glen Road is a key route with high traffic, especially from tourists exploring the Yarra Valley. Additionally, mobile coverage, particularly 4G and 5G, is inconsistent or absent in some areas, posing difficulties for communication and emergency services, particularly during car accidents and bushfires. We are actively working with Nillumbik Shire Council to improve mobile coverage in these areas.

Nirranda, Victoria, is a rural community that faces challenges with limited mobile phone coverage. The lack of reliable service affects both residents and local businesses, making communication difficult, particularly in emergencies. Farmers and businesses depend on mobile phones for day-to-day operations, logistics, and staying connected with services.

In emergency situations, the inability to access mobile coverage can delay response times and hinder safety. Improving mobile coverage in Nirranda is crucial to ensure better communication, enhance safety, and support the local economy, benefiting both residents and visitors.

Macarthur, Victoria, is a rural community known for its agricultural significance and scenic landscapes. However, the area faces challenges with limited mobile phone coverage, especially in more remote parts.

This lack of reliable service impacts local residents, farmers, and businesses who depend on mobile communication for day-to-day operations, safety, and staying connected with services. During emergencies, the inability to make calls or access important information can be dangerous. Improving mobile coverage in Macarthur is essential to ensure better communication, enhance safety, and support local economic activities.
 

Konongwootong, Victoria, home to the scenic Konongwootong Reservoir, is a popular spot for tourists enjoying nature and outdoor activities. However, poor mobile coverage, especially along the Coleraine Edenhope Road, affects both tourists and locals.

Visitors struggle with navigation and accessing emergency services, while locals and businesses face communication challenges. Upgrading mobile coverage in this area would enhance safety, improve the tourist experience, and support local businesses by providing reliable connectivity for both residents and visitors.

Coojar, Victoria is a rural area that experiences significant mobile phone coverage issues, affecting both residents and businesses. The lack of reliable service creates challenges for communication, especially in emergencies, when quick access to help or information is critical. Local farmers and businesses rely on mobile phones for day-to-day operations, customer service, and staying in touch with suppliers. Without consistent coverage, these activities become difficult, and safety can be compromised. 

Crossley, Victoria is a rural area that faces challenges with limited mobile phone coverage. This poor service impacts residents, local businesses, and visitors, making communication difficult, especially in emergencies. The lack of reliable mobile coverage creates barriers for farmers and businesses that depend on mobile phones for daily operations, customer service, and logistics. In emergency situations, it becomes difficult to contact emergency services or receive critical information. Improving mobile coverage in Crossley would greatly enhance safety, support the local economy, and ensure better connectivity for the community.

Bolinda, located on Melbourne-Lancefield Road, 6 km south of Romsey, faces significant mobile black spots impacting safety and connectivity. With no reception at Bolinda Primary School, staff and students lack communication in family emergencies. Farmers are also unable to call for help in accidents. A black spot on Melbourne-Lancefield Road affects Romsey and Lancefield, preventing emergency calls in crashes. The area has a history of bushfires, heightening risks. Macedon Shire Council, Bolinda CFA, and Bolinda Primary School and the community support improved coverage to enhance safety and communication. 

Unreliable and patchy mobile coverage in Wallington is regularly reported, as well as consistent issues for mobile users on all surrounding major roads in the area. The Bellarine HWY is a major transport link from the Bellarine to Geelong and beyond. This road requires increased coverage for safety and convenience reasons. Wallington is home to many small rural properties, local businesses and remote workers. Improved infrastructure would enhance safety for the older population, young students, and families at the local school, provide safety and peace of mind for residents and local farmers, and support local businesses.

Milltown, Victoria, faces challenges with mobile coverage, affecting safety and communication for residents and freight operators. As a key freight route, improved 5G coverage would enhance emergency response, allowing faster access to services and real-time updates. Reliable mobile connectivity would also support local businesses and boost economic growth. Better coverage would bridge the digital divide, improving access to essential services and information, ultimately strengthening the community and ensuring safer travel and transport along this important route.

Darraweit Guim has severe mobile black spots, impacting emergency response and daily communication. In 2022, floods cut off roads, leaving residents without reliable contact. The 2014 Mickleham-Kilmore bushfire burned 95% of the local CFA zone, highlighting the critical need for better coverage. Poor reception limits emergency calls, putting lives at risk. Macedon Shire Council, Darraweit Gium CFA, and community groups support improved mobile service to enhance safety and resilience in disasters. Reliable coverage is essential for emergency alerts, community safety, and daily connectivity.

Mt Macedon and Macedon suffer from severe mobile black spots, impacting residents, businesses, and emergency services. Poor reception hampers communication, especially during disasters like the Ash Wednesday bushfire, which burned 6,100 hectares and destroyed 50 houses. Reliable telecommunications have been a longstanding issue, posing significant risks to safety and emergency response. Despite mobile tower on the mountain, they service towns below rather than the mountain itself. Macedon Ranges Shire Council, CFA, and residents support improved coverage to enhance disaster preparedness, tourism, and daily connectivity.

Romsey has a single Optus tower in the town centre, with Telstra equipment placed lower on the same tower, resulting in weak reception on the outskirts. Romsey is a large growing town with new estates, the coverage gap widens, impacting residents, businesses, and emergency services. Poor mobile reception limits communication, posing safety risks during emergencies. The region has faced bushfires and storms, highlighting the need for reliable connectivity. Macedon Ranges Shire Council, CFA, and residents support improved coverage to enhance safety, emergency response, and daily connectivity as the town continues to expand.

Moutajup, Victoria located near Dunkeld and the Grampians, faces mobile coverage challenges that limit tourism potential. Improved 5G connectivity would enhance the visitor experience by providing better access to navigation, real-time information, and emergency services. As a gateway to Dunkeld and the Grampians, better coverage would help tourists find local attractions, accommodations, and services with ease, boosting the local economy. Reliable mobile connectivity would also encourage tourists to share their experiences, increasing the region's appeal and supporting long-term growth in tourism.

Merriang Road – Woodstock is a crucial link connecting Wallan, Donnybrook, Woodstock, and Mernda. However, numerous blackspots impair communication, especially during emergencies. The road serves as an alternative to the Hume Highway, vital during closures caused by accidents, which are becoming more frequent. The 2015 Donnybrook fire further highlighted the need for reliable mobile coverage in the area. Improving mobile coverage along this route is essential to ensure safety, effective emergency response, and better connectivity for residents and travellers.

Upper Plenty & Glenvale experience mobile black spots in bushfire-prone areas, delaying emergency calls during accidents on a key route between Whittlesea and Wallan. The 2009 Black Saturday fires emphasised the critical need for reliable communication in these regions. Urgent upgrades to mobile coverage are essential to ensure the safety of residents and travellers, particularly during emergencies or natural disasters like bushfires. Reliable connectivity is vital for effective emergency response and public safety.

Myamyn, Victoria, is located in a plantation area, primarily known for its forestry and agricultural industries. The region is surrounded by large areas of pine plantations, contributing to its role in timber production and supporting local jobs. Despite its natural beauty and rural charm, Myamyn faces mobile coverage challenges, which can impact safety and communication for residents and visitors. Improved 5G coverage would benefit both the local community and the forestry sector, enabling better access to real-time information, emergency services, and essential communications. 

Hoddles Creek is located in the upper Yarra Valley, an agricultural centre, significant forested areas. Very poor mobile coverage experienced also impacts occupational safety and smart farming innovation opportunities. The Gembrook-Launching Place Rd (C424) is key emergency egress & access road in a high bushfire danger area.

In 2021 Council commissioned testing of signals of 3 main mobile networks. 25% of locations were of unusable network quality. Depth of coverage is impeded by complex topography, despite carriers’ maps indicating adequate coverage. This area is extremely prone to natural disasters such as bushfire and severe storms.