Tourism hotspots bolstered by North West power plan

Tourism hotspots in the North West will receive a boost with the State and Federal governments investing in new telecommunication towers. The State Government announced last week an investment of $3.37 million towards 14 new telecommunication towers along major road networks and in tourist hotspots. The project is aimed at improving road safety by expanding mobile coverage along major transport corridors, remote communities and tourist locations with little-to-no mobile coverage. Destinations including 14 Mile Camp and 3 Mile Camp in the Gascoyne and Palm Pool in the Pilbara, as well as the Embulgan community in the Kimberley are among those to benefit. Durack MHR Melissa Price said the mobile black spot program had improved connectivity across the North West. “In the previous 12 months I am proud that we have also invested almost $7million in 17 Kimberley locations in the well-received Regional Connectivity Program,” she said. Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said it was essential to reduce communications gaps along the state’s major roads. “It is also vitally important during an emergency — whether it be a road incident or natural disaster like fire or flood, being able to contact first responders as quickly as possible is critical,” she said. “Through programs such as the regional telecommunications project and digital farm grants program we will continue to deliver improved mobile and broadband connectivity across the State.”