Mobile Black Spot Program Round 8—Project Noticeboard

Martindale borders the Wollemi National Park and has a Public Primary School, Rural Fire Service Shed and a Church/Community Hall.

Martindale has an increasing population associated with small holders seeking a rural lifestyle. It is also characterised by larger farms which involves vehicles moving livestock and farm supplies such as hay and fodder.

The poor reception in these areas creates safety risks and disrupts communication. This nomination is supported by feedback from local residents and Council’s Operational Teams.

There’s no coverage inside buildings and it is patchy everywhere.  

It was better before they switched to 5G - wasn’t much better but it is now worse.  

Constituent lives in Culburra Beach and advises mobile phone provider is Optus. Unable to get coverage on Culburra Road when in the car.

Worst coverage is experienced at George Bass Drive between Barlings Beach and Rosedale; Dunns Creek Road, Woodlands; The Kings Highway between Nelligen and the top of the Clyde Mountain.

It’s very dangerous to have no coverage on the Kings Highway travelling up / down the Clyde Mountain for such an extended distance. 

Constituents who switched their mobile services from Optus to Telstra due to the lack of Optus coverage found that even on the Telstra network, reception is extremely limited - typically only one bar in certain areas.

To stay connected, the constituents rely heavily on Starlink satellite internet for making calls and sending text messages. Additionally, the constituents do not receive any TV reception and depend on a satellite TV signal, which does not provide access to local channels. As a result, all TV content must be streamed via our internet connection.

Better mobile coverage is urgently needed around the intersection of Bylong Valley Way and south along the Widden Valley Road extending south to the Wollemi National Park. Bylong Valley Way is firstly a key gateway between the Central West and Upper Hunter, serving residents, emergency services, council outdoor staff, other workers visiting the area, and travellers. The Widden Valley is characterised by well-known horse studs and cattle grazing properties which involves the movement of vehicles moving livestock and farm supplies such as hay and fodder.

The area of freeway adjacent to Bombo Railway Station has limited and inconsistent network coverage, this affects the nearby beach and local bushlands. 

Telstra reception is nearly non-existent along the Princes Highway corridor, affecting Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden, Mogo Mountain Bike Trail, and Deep Creek Dam. Optus users have reliable service, but Telstra users struggle with patchy or no coverage. There are safety risks for emergency situations and hospital transfers. Tourists and businesses experience disruptions including mobile payments and navigation. There is limited digital access for education programs, EV charging, and social engagement. New or upgraded Telstra infrastructure is required. 

I have been advised by a Hospitality Business Owner in Kioloa (2539), it can be very frustrating for their customers wishing to use their mobile to access internet banking to pay for essentials. With poor reception, they are often left unable to transfer funds, and will need to drive to find cash out at their inconvenience and missed sales for us. Over the summer holidays, a gentleman with 4 children broke down and spent an hour with poor coverage trying to connect for help.

Also been advised from a community member in Bawley Point (2539), it can be frustrating when coverage drops in and out making calls etc.

There are mobile coverage issues in Berrara. Berrara is situated between the Sussex Inlet and Bendalong mobile towers. Due to this positioning, mobile coverage is inconsistent, with users occasionally receiving just one bar of 4G signal. With the closure of the 3G network, there is no longer a fallback option for connectivity.

During peak seasons, the significant increase in visitors overloads the network, often rendering mobile service completely unavailable.

Severe Telstra coverage gaps impact Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Garden, Mogo Mountain Bike Trail, Deep Creek Dam, and local residents. Optus users have reliable coverage, but Telstra reception is nearly non-existent, with only patchy service at high points. There are safety risks for hospital transfers and emergency situations. Residents in fire-affected areas remain disconnected. Business and tourism disruptions—70,000+ visitors struggle with navigation, payments, and online resources. Investment in Telstra infrastructure upgrades is required to improve public safety, tourism, and business operations in the region.

Issue:
Most of Wooroonga Crescent is a mobile black spot, with no reception in some areas. Residents must rely on NBN and Wi-Fi calling for communication.

Impact:
No reliable mobile service for calls, texts, or emergencies. Dependence on Wi-Fi limits accessibility outside the home.

Proposal:
Assess mobile infrastructure gaps and explore network upgrades or new tower installations to improve connectivity in Kioloa.

Consistent mobile black spot along Princes Highway between Tomerong and Island Point Rd.
Telstra coverage is unreliable or non-existent every time. There are safety risks for commuters and emergency situations due to lack of mobile service. Limited connectivity for residents and businesses in the area. Upgraded Telstra infrastructure to enhance coverage and reliability along this key route, improving safety and accessibility.

Ampol and Woolworths Bomaderry are black spots. Constituents advise they have no signal.

Installation of a tower and telecommunication facilities. This location currently has no phone coverage. The area is prone to fires caused by lightning impacting the area.

Additionally, this area is a major haulage route with BB-Doubles carting to and from the area, including livestock, produce and timber industry product.

The coverage in Berry and particularly David Berry Hospital is poor with patients, family members and staff often complaining about the poor signal.

Constituents advise the phone reception in Shoalhaven Heads is very hard to get decent reception.

Constituent asks for improved mobile phone coverage in some black spots in the Eurobodalla.
The area between Batemans Bay and Mogo includes a black spot in the highly-used area of the new Mogo Bike Trail and the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens. The poor of mobile coverage represents a safety issue for bike trail users and walkers in the gardens. The Botanic Gardens is also a highly used tourist destination and the lack of mobile coverage is significant service gap the area.
It is also a concern that the main Princes Highway has coverage blackspots in that area in the event of road traffic incidents. 
 

Issue:
Mobile coverage in this area is so poor that residents must rely on Wi-Fi calling. Even service technicians have difficulty accessing mobile coverage due to the hill shadowing the tower near the water tank above Vincentia.

Impact:
This issue likely affects other nearby homes, reducing connectivity and reliability for phone calls and essential services.

Proposal:
Investigate and improve mobile infrastructure or tower placement to enhance signal strength and address this persistent black spot.

Severe mobile black spots along Forest Rd and Currarong Rd. Telstra service is unreliable every day, impacting residents and travellers. There are safety concerns for commuters and emergency situations. Limited connectivity affects businesses and residents who rely on mobile service.
Upgraded Telstra infrastructure is required to improve mobile coverage and reliability along these key roads, ensuring better connectivity for the community.