Extending battery back-up for regional and remote phone towers in Maranoa

January 8, 2021

Mobile phone towers in Maranoa will be able to keep operating longer if the power goes out during or after natural disasters, thanks to a major new investment by the Federal Coalition Government.

The Government is funding Telstra, Optus and TPG to extend the battery back up at 23 mobile phone towers in Maranoa, to provide a minimum of 12 hours of back-up power.

Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said extending the battery life of the mobile phone towers would increase telecommunications resilience in Maranoa and help to keep communities safe this storm season.

“The Australia Government is investing in battery back-up to keep mobile phone towers operating longer when the power goes out during or after natural disasters,” Mr Littleproud said.

“A total of 23 mobile base stations across Maranoa will be upgraded under this program to help keep residents connected to emergency services and loved ones when the power goes out.

“This includes towers at Cooyar, Wattle Camp and Yangan, which each service hundreds of premises.”

Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said telecommunications, including mobile phone towers, need reliable power sources to operate.

“Telecommunications – including mobile phone towers – rely on power to operate. This investment will allow mobile phone towers to keep operating for at least 12 hours after the power goes out, making a real difference for communities during and after a natural disaster,” Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP said.

The Government is providing a total of $13.2 million to Telstra, Optus and TPG to extend the battery back up at 467 mobile phone towers across Australia, under stage one of the program.

Mobile Base Stations to be upgraded in Maranoa:

Site name	Backup Power Hours
Avoca Station	15
Blue Lagoon	15
Brucedale	15
Mirrabooka	15
Nardoo	15
Bundoran Road	≥12
Gordonbrook	≥12
Hampton	15
Hannaford Road	≥12
Landsborough Highway B	≥12
Maidenwell	15
Ravensbourne	≥12
The Summit	≥12
Warrego Highway	≥12
Wondai Road	≥12
Yangan	15
Boyneside	12
Cooyar	12
Jackson	≥12
Kumbia	12
Landsborough Highway, between Blackall and Tambo	≥12
Moonie	≥12
Wattle Camp	≥12

More information on the program is available on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website.