CONCERNS FOR COMMUNITY SAFETY DUE TO TELSTRA CAPACITY ISSUES

Published on 20 February 2024

CONCERNS FOR COMMUNITY SAFETY DUE TO TELSTRA CAPACITY ISSUES

Tocumwal is coming up to another busy Easter long weekend with several significant events leading up to and across the weekend.  The Tocumwal Races will take place on Easter Saturday and will be followed by the Foreshore Market on Easter Sunday.  

Mayor Julia Cornwell McKean said, “This is a busy time for Tocumwal and the Berrigan Shire. We are always happy to see the number of visitors to our amazing area.  The concern however is that we know Telstra’s capacity will let us down.  This means neither visitors nor residents have certainty that their telecommunications services will work on Easter weekend.  This impacts on business transactions in town, at the races and the market. Ultimately it could also endanger lives if a call cannot be made when it is most needed.” 

“In Berrigan Shire, we put up with incredibly poor connectivity at the best of times, but we also know these long weekends and large events mean we may not be able to connect at all.  Our community will simply not stand for this anymore,” said Mayor Julia. 

“The Tocumwal Foreshore Markets attract a staggering 50,000 visitors over the season, it is evident that our region is experiencing a resurgence in post-COVID visitor numbers, further emphasising the urgency of addressing connectivity challenges” said Robert Hall, President Tocumwal Foreshore Committee.   

Likewise, the influx of 12,000 attendees during the Strawberry Fields Festival in Tocumwal not only highlighted the vibrancy of our region but also accentuated the pressing need for telecommunications networks to support our growing population and thriving events calendar. 

Berrigan Shire Council has been strongly advocating for improved services in the area to underpin our business and lives.  Digital connectivity is an essential service according to liveability measures and Council recognises our community has been left out in the cold. 

Mayor Julia stated, “I have been and will continue to advocate with Ministers both State and 

Federal and any telecommunications service who will listen to ensure our telecommunications services are vastly improved. We cannot continue to accept that the service we currently are afforded is the best they can offer.”

ENDS

Further information:

Keelan McDonald

Communications, Marketing and Engagement

Berrigan Shire Council