Pindimar/Bundabah talk to Federal representatives about Telecommunications woes Myall Coast Myall Coast - popup ad by News Of The Area - Modern Media - April 10, 2024April 11, 2024 Many residents from Pindimar, Bundabah and beyond gathered to discuss the state of telecommunications in their areas. FEDERAL politicians visited the Pindimar-Bundabah Community Association (PBCA) to hear first-hand from residents about their telecommunication woes on Wednesday 3 April. Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie joined NSW Senator Perin Davey, both from the National Party and currently in Federal opposition, in driving down the one road in-and-out of the area, witnessing the scars of the recent Pindimar fires, coincidentally unable to call ahead after an unforeseen delay. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au The PBCA’s stated aims for the short meeting were “highlighting the communication difficulties in our area, and to ensure we are covered in the ‘Regional Telecommunications Review 2024’.” Raphale Ziv, who spearheaded the visit’s arrangement, told NOTA, “It increases anxiety in a community when no communications can get in or out, especially in critical emergencies, like when a bushfire or east coast lows cut off the roads.” Until the NBN network failure during last month’s Pindimar bushfires, most communication was via social media, over unreliable mobile signals coming from as far away as Lemon Tree Passage. Dr Gillespie cited feedback he received from Telstra, noting, “There is certainly a problem in Pindimar/Bundabah, but Telstra would consider building new infrastructure in the area if the blackspot funding were available.” Both Dr Gillespie and PBCA members confirmed prior Telstra information that a new tower in Pindimar/Bundabah would cost $500,000 to $1 million to build. Starlink, the satellite broadband service, was mentioned first as a suggested alternative for the non-existent mobile and landline internet services. Several community members claimed that Starlink costs around $185 per month, several times the average monthly phone bill. Other alternatives were mentioned, such as yagi boosters for the Rural Fire Service station, which currently has no internet anyway, and WiFi calling, which only works if the NBN service is working and powered up – not the case during the last emergency. “We are glad they came out, but it is becoming clear that nothing is going to change any time soon,” Vivien Panhuber, PBCA President, told NOTA. By Thomas O’KEEFE Nationals Senator Perin Davey and Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie both showed up to hear out the community and offer suggestions.
