Panuara South community benefits from new Optus mobile tower

Locals in the community of Panuara South are now benefitting from improved mobile coverage with Optus switching on a new tower thanks to an agreement that has seen collaboration between Federal Government, industry, local business and the community.

The new site, part of the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program and located in Panuara South, was selected and built as part of a jointly funded partnership agreement between Optus, the Federal Government and Newcrest Mining. Importantly the site was selected following extensive community engagement to ensure the site best meets the coverage needs of the Central West community.

Visiting the site today alongside Federal Member for Calare, Andrew Gee and Cadia District Enhancement Project Chairperson, Florence Ovenden, Newcrest’s General Manager, Peter Sharpe, Vin Mullins, Optus Manager of Planning addressed the strong community push for this new site and the desire to deliver regional Australia with access to the same mobile services experienced by those living in capital cities.

“This site would not be standing here today without the strong desire from Newcrest Mining to support the local community. From the moment they engaged with Optus, it was clear that the community was front of mind.

“There was assistance at all stages of the development at a local level with extensive community engagement to ensure that we delivered on the coverage objectives of local residents and businesses. Combining this strong local support with the Federal Government’s Blackspot program is a shining example of how Government, private enterprise and communities can work together.

“At Optus we are committed to ensuring that all Australians have access to reliable mobile coverage, competitive plans and importantly choice. This is the fourth Mobile Black Spot that we have switched on in Central NSW in the last nine months and its rewarding to see these regional communities benefiting from access to greatly enhanced mobile coverage,” said Mr Mullins.

Federal Member for Calare, Andrew Gee, said he was pleased local residents and businesses would now have better service in more locations.

“The new mobile base station is the latest of 37 sites across Calare to receive new or improved mobile coverage under the Mobile Phone Blackspot Program,” Mr Gee said.

“Coverage from the site is now enabling more than 160 homes to connect to reliable mobile reception, providing them with the ability to make and receive calls, text and browse the internet.

“Additionally, more than 140 square kilometres of area surrounding the site will receive greatly enhanced mobile coverage, including more than 26 kilometres of roads and highways including Mary Gilmore Way and Wirrup Way,” Mr Gee noted.

Newcrest Mining General Manager, Peter Sharpe said, “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 and, can achieve a long term positive legacy that will benefit the region for decades to come,”

Local landholder and chairperson of the local community group who campaigned for the telecommunications tower, Florence Ovenden, said, “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 and the very generous federal Government grant in assisting our local community.”

Coverage from the site is now enabling more than 160 homes to connect to reliable mobile reception, providing them with the ability to make and receive calls, text and browse the internet. Additionally, more than 140 square kilometres of area surrounding the site will receive greatly enhanced mobile coverage, including more than 26 kilometres of roads and highways including Mary Gilmore Way and Wirrup Way.

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