Wasleys will have improved mobile phone and internet services following a State Government Decision to make a significant contribution towards the construction of a new tower in the area.
Local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo said the State Government will provide $115,517 towards the erection of a tower by Optus in the area.
“The State Government Decision to locate a tower in Wasleys is based on high safety risk ratings for the locality, an area where Country Fire Service volunteers said blackspots impacted on firefighting during the 2015 Pinery bushfire, “Mr Piccolo said.
“The agreement was reached with Optus after $2 million committed by the State Government towards the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spots Program was not fully utilised,” he said.
The new base station means that residents, schools and businesses within a 10-kilometre radius of the tower will have increased 4G coverage, with better call experiences and faster, more reliable mobile internet use.
Science and Information Economy Minister Kyam Maher said Wasleys was identified as a high priority due to its high fire risk, which sadly we saw play out during the Pinery fire in 2015.
“Despite the concerns raised by residents and emergency services in the wake of the Pinery fire, the Federal Government elected not to support the construction of a base station in the area,” Minister Mayor said.
“I congratulate Optus in winning this tender, which supports the State Government’s commitment to ensuring South Australians have access to the digital economy for their, and the state’s, economic and social benefit,” he said.
Mr Piccolo said the tower will provide greater mobile coverage to the region, increasing the safety of residents and tourists, while also providing flow on benefits to local small businesses and the school.
“The people of Wasleys have called for improvements to mobile reception for many years and this shows that while the Federal Government may not be listening, the State Government is,” Mr Piccolo said.