EPLGA Calls for State Government Partnership to Fix Mobile Blackspots

The Eyre Peninsula Local Government Association is urging the next South Australian Government to commit $8 million to construct up to ten new mobile phone towers across the region. EPLGA President Mayor Dean Johnson says mobile connectivity is a critical challenge, constraining economic growth, service delivery, and community wellbeing.

“Here in the Eyre Peninsula we’ve got communities spread across an incredibly large area, with a lot of our region held back by unreliable or non-existent mobile coverage,” Mayor Johnson said. “Primary industries increasingly rely on digital technologies, road safety and emergency response are compromised, and residents, businesses and visitors struggle to access essential online services that metropolitan communities take for granted.”

The EPLGA has partnered with Telstra and ten local councils to identify priority areas for new towers. Construction is estimated to cost between $15 and $20 million, with the association emphasising that a clear $8 million State Government contribution is needed to secure federal funding and deliver long-term benefits for regional safety, productivity, and liveability.