Service improvements were promised with the erection of a Telstra cell tower at Picnic Point, near Mathoura, announced in 2023 and funded in 2024.
But residents say the project has not started and there has been no communication with the community.
Concerned Mathoura resident, Tom Weyrich, has continued his advocacy for improved services.
“Internet and phone service create so many problems; if Mathoura has more than 10 tourists, there is too much congestion and service goes down.
“Sussan Ley (Member for Farrer) talked about a new tower to be delivered at Picnic Point, but we haven’t seen any action on that,“ Mr Weyrich said.
After being contacted by the Pastoral Times, Telstra suggested the recent issues experienced by Mathoura residents was a result of congestion, which Mr Weyrich pointed out, but he said the poor service persists after tourists have left.
“Mobile services in parts of the region may have been experiencing congestion on our network recently, with an influx of visitors to the area over the holidays,” Telstra regional general manager Steve Tinker responded.
Some residents have been forced to travel to different parts of the town in the hope of finding service.
Residents are concerned at the potential implications of the poor service, including putting lives at risk, especially if an ambulance cannot be contacted in an emergency.
In response to these concerns Sussan Ley, Member for Farrer said, “I’m a bit like everyone, and would have much preferred the Picnic Point tower went up yesterday.
“There is always a lag time between an announcement and the build, made much worse when this government took a year to even sign a contract with Telstra.
“The tower needs to happen as soon as possible, because it will take some of that congestion at Mathoura during holiday peaks.
“I am regularly in touch with Telstra on this, with a site location and technical assessments now underway and an estimated 12-month finish date.”
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