OPTUS PARTNERS WITH LOCAL BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY TO DELIVER NEW TOWER TO THE CADIA DISTRICT

Largest regional capital expenditure program in Optus' 25 year history

Optus, Newcrest Mining’s Cadia Valley Operations, Infigen Energy and Huawei have today announced a funding partnership for the construction of a new mobile tower in the Cadia District, NSW, to help address mobile network coverage issues in the region.

The area currently has no dedicated mobile tower support, and it was through a unique collaboration between Optus, local business and community that allowed this proposal to go ahead.

Potential locations for the site are currently being investigated; however the site will aim to improve coverage to local homes, and surrounding town infrastructure including roads and schools and is expected to be live by the end of 2018. This tower is in addition to a site being built under the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program.

Vin Mullins, Manager of Network Planning at Optus, said, “This community site is great news for the Cadia Valley, which will move from having intermittent coverage in some areas, to having a dedicated resource to provide residents and visitors with reliable and fast coverage for mobile calls and SMS as well as mobile data for internet browsing.

“The contribution and commitment by Newcrest Mining and all parties involved provide a clear demonstration of what can be achieved when community and enterprise work together.

“Optus’ program of regional investment is aimed to reduce, and eventually remove, the number of areas in regional Australia with limited or no mobile reception. This type of funding partnership for a tower is a first for Optus, and our door always remains open to other communities who wish to improve their access to telecommunications,” said Mr Mullins.

Peter Sharpe, Cadia General Manager, said “Cadia is pleased to contribute $200,000 towards the construction of two new towers in the Cadia District. While improved telecommunications will provide benefits for hundreds of landholders in the area, the real win is showcasing that working together as a community, through the Cadia District Enhancement Project, can achieve a long term positive legacy that will benefit the region for decades to come.”

Graham Brown, local resident and Cadia District Enhancement Project Chairperson, said, “This is a significant injection towards improving our community infrastructure. The construction of the towers will increase communication on our farms and assist our agricultural businesses. It will ensure we feel connected with the wider community and support our local emergency services. We are very grateful for the regional focus and support of Optus and Cadia in assisting our local community.”

Megan Richardson, Development Manager at Infigen Energy, said, “Improved access to mobile phone reception and mobile data is not just a boost for local residents and the community, but also offers a vital service for agribusinesses and local operators. Infigen is grateful for the opportunity of joining the funding partnership with $15,000 and is pleased to be supporting the community local to the Flyers Creek Wind Farm development project.”

In July 2017, Optus CEO Allen Lew announced a $1 billion investment to improve and expand its mobile network in regional Australia by the end of June 2018 delivering better services where it matters most; where people live, work and travel.

Since 2009, Optus has invested $6 billion in its mobile network. A focus on Western NSW has seen Optus build out coverage in areas facing similar coverage issues to Cadia Valley including Lake Wyangala, Rockley, Woodstock, Hill End, Greenthorpe and Mumbil.

Media contact – Optus:

Michelle Pacey
Optus Corporate Affairs
(02) 8082 7850
media@optus.com.au

Media contact – Newcrest Mine:

Melissa O’Brien
Senior Community Relations Specialist
Cadia Valley Operations
0407 412 891
Melissa.obrien@newcrest.com.au