Joint media release - A Dutton government will back local firies with $1.2m telecom boost for Perth Hills

THE HON SUSSAN LEY MP
DEPUTY LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION

THE HON DAVID LITTLEPROUD MP
LEADER OF THE NATIONALS

MELISSA MCINTOSH MP
SHADOW MINISTER FOR COMMUNICATIONS

MATT MORAN
LIBERAL CANDIDATE FOR BULLWINKEL

MIA DAVIES
NATIONALS CANDIDATE FOR BULLWINKEL

A DUTTON-LITTLEPROUD COALITION GOVERNEMNT WILL BACK LOCAL FIRIES WITH CRITICAL $1.2 MILLION TELECOMMUNICATIONS BOOST FOR THE PERTH HILLS

Tuesday, 18 February 2025

An elected Dutton-Littleproud Coalition Government will invest $1.2 million for 10 portable power generators in the Perth Hills, ensuring critical backup power for telecommunications towers.

Volunteer bushfire and emergency brigades rely on mobile phone communications to keep the community informed during crisis situations.

However, the unique topography and lack of infrastructure investment have contributed to ongoing telecommunications challenges in the Perth Hills.

The Albanese Government has broken promises and failed to deliver essential services in the Perth Hills, leaving residents in communities like Gidgegannup, Mundaring, Parkerville, Stoneville and Kalamunda exposed to communication blackouts in emergencies.

The Coalition is committed to investing in solutions that will stand up to the challenges communities face during disasters and emergencies.

This is a vital investment in community safety, enhancing connectivity to support local residents and businesses.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Sussan Ley MP, said “The Coalition is backing this community with real infrastructure that will make a world of difference when it’s needed most. This is big win for the Perth Hills.”

The Leader of The Nationals, the Hon David Littleproud MP, said access to essential services like power and telecommunications is critical, particularly in areas vulnerable to natural disasters.

“This investment ensures the Perth Hills community is better prepared and able to respond in times of crisis,” Mr Littleproud said.

Shadow Minister for Communications, Melissa McIntosh MP, stressed the importance of power backups for telecommunications infrastructure.

“Telecommunications towers rely on power to operate. Having both permanent and portable generators in place will be a key factor in keeping people informed about local conditions and issues during a natural disaster,” Ms McIntosh said.

Liberal candidate for Bullwinkel, Matt Moran said, “Parkerville was hit by two disasters—a devastating bushfire that destroyed homes and a freak storm that left residents without power for up to a week. This is unacceptable. This came just 10 years after the 2014 Parkerville bushfire, which claimed 57 homes,” Mr Moran said.

“More than a year since these emergencies, Labor’s continued inaction has left locals feeling forgotten and neglected. Bad mobile coverage and poor internet connection are not just frustrating; they are dangerous in bushfire-prone areas. This investment is essential, and our community urgently needs it.”

The Nationals candidate for Bullwinkel, Mia Davies, emphasised the scale of the issue in the Perth Hills.

“Despite being only 30 kilometres from the Perth, the Perth Hills area is plagued by numerous telecommunications blackspots due to its challenging topography and dense tree canopies,” Ms Davies said.

“Having access to up-to-date information can genuinely save lives, particularly during fast-moving events like bushfires, where conditions change dramatically.”

Keeping our communities strong and ensuring communities have the essential services they need is all part of the Coalition’s plan to get our country back on track.