Council nominates locations for potential mobile service funding

Published on 13 March 2025

Goondiwindi Regional Council has nominated four high-priority locations in the Goondiwindi Region to be considered for federal government funding towards improved mobile service.

Council has confirmed the Bengalla, Kindon, Talwood-Mungindi Road and Whetstone/Wyaga areas as priority locations to be considered under Round 8 of the Australian Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program.

Council’s nominations are just the first step in a multi-stage process that in no way guarantees a future tower. The next step is for telecoms providers (e.g. Telstra) to determine which nominated nationwide locations will be submitted for funding, with the federal government having final approval.

Council is actively working with and encouraging Telstra, in particular, to prioritise the four nominated Goondiwindi Region locations in its funding submission.

Council’s technology portfolio holder Cr Susie Kelly says she thinks the proposed locations have a very strong case for funding based not only on their natural disaster risk, but also previous natural disaster impact as well as the number of local residents and road users in the area.

“This round of funding focuses on areas impacted by, or at risk of, natural disasters in particular,” Cr Kelly said. “Unfortunately, it’s a fact that there are multiple locations across the region where we really need additional towers and network upgrades – but we can’t nominate them all, and these four areas are the most suitable for this round of funding based on the criteria.

“Let’s take the Kindon and Whetstone/Wyaga areas as an example – these locations experienced fire events in 2022 and 2023, during which residents were unable to contact each other or emergency services. Queensland SMS emergency alerts were sent to residents – but some did not receive them until they were back in mobile service areas. Very clearly, this is totally unacceptable. Without effective tools for communication, people in these areas remain at risk during disasters.

“The Kindon area also serves as the primary diversion route during road closures on the Gore Highway. Reliable mobile coverage in that area is simply essential to ensure motorists receive timely alerts to mitigate the risk of becoming trapped by floodwaters, especially on a route that sees about 2,250 vehicles daily. For heavy vehicles in particular, this location also often represents the last safe opportunity to turn around and avoid the road closures.”

Cr Kelly said the federal Mobile Black Spot Program will be a very competitive grant, likely receiving a large number of nominated locations from right around the country.

“Council’s nominated sites are just the first rung of the ladder towards this funding. We now have to hope that Telstra (or another telecommunications provider) and the federal government recognise - and fund - the very urgent need in our region,” she said.

This announcement follows Mayor of the Goondiwindi Region the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM’s urgent appeal to Telstra last month to investigate, restore and improve mobile coverage following the closure of the 3G network in October.

"As a thriving regional centre, we simply should not be experiencing such poor mobile coverage. This is not just about connectivity for business and day-to-day life, it’s about the safety and well-being of residents and road users - as well as the ongoing economic prosperity of the Goondiwindi Region,” Cr Kelly said.

Cr Kelly is also urging residents to call Telstra's newly established helpline to report service disruptions since the 3G network closure. Telstra customers should call 1800 990 853 between 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday AEDT to report such issues.