The go-ahead has finally been given to provide some mobile phone coverage in Mystery Bay.
Eurobodalla Shire Council voting unanimously to green light development applications for two small cell towers in the beachside hamlet after it was previously deferred as councillors asked for more information.
The provision of the 4G service is funded through the Federal Government’s Black Spots Program.
Telstra Regional General Manager for the ACT and NSW Chris Taylor has told the council meeting work started on the project five years ago after the Black Saturday bushfires.
“Telstra’s been working since 2021 to identify a practical and deliverable solution to the long standing mobile coverage deficiencies in Mystery Bay,” Mr Taylor said.
“Over that time we’ve investigated a taller macro facility, private land, council land, crown land, co-location opportunities and 13 potential small cell locations,” he said.
“A fundamentally different solution such as recommencing investigations for a new taller macro facility or pursuing further untested locations would require a new site acquisition, technical assessment, design and approval process.
“There is no certainty that another suitable and deliverable site could be secured or approved within the available program and funding timeframes.”
Mr Taylor said less than 70 homes will receive coverage after the installation of two new towers.
“The Commonwealth requirement is to provide coverage to at least 25 dwellings,” he said.
“Telstra’s modelling indicates that the proposed solution will provide new outdoor coverage to approximately 60 dwellings.
“It will also improve 4G voice and data services local road coverage network capacity during peak visitor periods and access to emergency communications including 000.”
