Mobile phone towers in Wide Bay will be able to keep operating longer if the power goes out during or after natural disasters, thanks to a major new investment by the Morrison Government.
 
Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien said the Government is funding telecommunications companies to extend the battery back up at nine mobile phone towers in Wide Bay, to provide a minimum of 12 hours of back-up power.
 
“Adequate mobile phone coverage is critically important during natural disasters such as floods or bushfires to ensure people can reach emergency services if needed, so they can stay up-to-date on the emergency situation and change in conditions, and to stay in touch with loved ones,” Mr O’Brien said.
 
“This funding will help improve safety for thousands of people in Wide Bay during times of emergency or disaster when communication is most important.”
 
The following towers will receive funding for battery back-ups:
 

 
Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said telecommunications, including mobile phone towers, need reliable power sources to operate.
 
“Telecommunications – including mobile phone towers – rely on power to operate. This investment will allow mobile phone towers to keep operating for at least 12 hours after the power goes out, making a real difference for communities during and after a natural disaster,” Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP said.
 
The Government is providing a total of $13.2 million to Telstra, Optus and TPG to extend the battery back up at 467 mobile phone towers across Australia, under stage one of the program.
 
More information on the program is available on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website