Even though construction of the mobile black spot tower at Wherrol Flat has been completed, nearby residents still do not have mobile reception.
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The tower is one of 429 new and upgraded mobile base stations being delivered in round one by the Australian Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program, in partnership with Telstra.
Construction of the Wherrol Flat tower was completed in September 2016, and was originally scheduled to go ‘on air’ in the last three months of 2017.
A month ago, Telstra’s information site on the round one rollout showed the expected on air date for the tower had been deferred until quarter one, 2017. Now, the site says the on air date has been pushed back until quarter two, 2017.
Wherrol Flat resident, Dr Phil Rayson said the community was led to believe the problem is a lack of power supply to the tower.
He wrote to Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie seeking answers as to why the on air date for the tower keeps being deferred when there is a power line a mere 150 metres away from the tower.
Dr Gillespie’s replied to Dr Rayson saying they received the following advice from the Telstra Liaison Team.
“On-site construction of the new mobile facility at Wherrol Flat was completed last year and we are currently in the process of connecting it back into the wider network via a high speed fibre optic cable.
“Laying this fibre requires extensive earthworks and severe weather in the region during its rollout has also contributed to a slightly later activation date than first planned.
“We understand the anticipation many have about when they will benefit from new mobile coverage and we are pleased to report we expect to activate the mobile base station in the first half of this year.”
Dr Rayson said he “does not think they’re being honest about what is wrong.”
“The claim of delay due to weather is disingenuous as we have had one of the driest periods recorded for a very very long time,” Dr Rayson said.
“The work has not been 'delayed' as the work has not actually commenced.”
In response to similar questions the Wingham Chronicle put to Dr Gillespie’s office, a briefer reply was received stating “the Wherrol Flat mobile base station requires the installation of extensive transmission infrastructure which has been slowed down slightly by heavy weather in the area.”
Julia Driscoll
Julia Driscoll has worked as a journalist for the Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Times for seven years. She values the deep connection with community that being a rural and regional journalist brings. Career highlights have involved environmental stories - bringing the plight of the little known endangered Manning River helmeted turtle to the attention of the public, resulting in wide-spread knowledge in the community and conservation action; and breaking the news of the Manning River ceasing to run for the first time in recorded history.
Julia Driscoll has worked as a journalist for the Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Times for seven years. She values the deep connection with community that being a rural and regional journalist brings. Career highlights have involved environmental stories - bringing the plight of the little known endangered Manning River helmeted turtle to the attention of the public, resulting in wide-spread knowledge in the community and conservation action; and breaking the news of the Manning River ceasing to run for the first time in recorded history.
