Berrigan Shire Council has flagged that attempts to have phone service in the district improved have so far resulted in no change.
And with the peak tourism period for the region now just weeks away, Mayor Julia Cornwell McKean and the rest of the Berrigan Shire councillors have raised concerns that community safety may be compromised.
She said the Tocumwal area in particular sees an influx in visitors and campers, with a boost in visitor numbers also expected as a result of the events on offer.
This includes the Tocumwal Races on Easter Saturday and the Foreshore Market on Easter Sunday.
Another big Easter event in the region is the Finley Rodeo on Easter Sunday.
“This is a busy time for Tocumwal and the Berrigan Shire,” Cr Cornwell McKean said.
“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 any more.”
Tocumwal Foreshore Committee president Robert Hall said the Tocumwal Foreshore Markets alone could 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,” he said.
Cr Cornwell McKean said 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,” she said.
“Digital connectivity is an essential service according to liveability measures and Council recognises our community has been left out in the cold.
“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.”
15°C