Three Gascoyne beaches among 18 remote locations to receive upgraded mobile coverage

Three Gascoyne beaches are among 18 sites earmarked to get upgraded mobile coverage across WA.

A successful applicant, Powertec Telecommunications, has been appointed to upgrade telecommunications infrastructure at popular regional surf beaches along the State’s coastline.

Funding has been allocated to establish Cel-Fi repeaters at 18 locations from the Kimberley to the Great Southern.

In the Gascoyne, Exmouth’s Dunes Surf Beach, Lighthouse Bay and Turtles — between Red Bluff and Three Miles — are on the list to get improved coverage.

The McGowan Government invested $1 million under the Regional Telecommunications Project to improve communication in an emergency, as well as expand mobile coverage for regional communities and businesses.

Surfing WA, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development’s Shark Response Unit and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions were consulted about the chosen locations.

Installation is expected to start in the second half of this year.

Fisheries and Regional Development Minister Don Punch said expanding mobile coverage at these remote beaches would “vastly improve connectivity across regional WA and potentially save lives.”

“In the case of an emergency, the ability to communicate quickly and effectively is vital,” he said.

“Investing in upgrades to telecommunications infrastructure not only enables our regional communities to thrive, in this case it is also helps to keep Western Australians safe at the beach.”