During the next few years Telstra hopes to build 27 mobile phone towers throughout the region, each costing around $1.5 million.
Called Connect Limestone Coast, Telstra expects to fund 25 per cent of the cost itself, anticipating the Commonwealth will pick up 50 per cent of the tab.
It will be up to councils, State Government, and industries to fund the remaining cost.
The state’s peak forestry association has reportedly said it will financially contribute.
The telco giant hopes the region’s seven councils will fund five per cent to help fund towers planned for their own council areas.
The project includes three towers earmarked for mobile black spots in the NLC area at Reedy Creek, Coles and Stewart’s Range.
Addressing each council individually, Telstra regional general manager Michael Patterson suggested NLC’s contribution would be $140,000.
The matter was discussed “in confidence” at the request of CEO Trevor Smart.
Meeting minutes show a motion to support the project was lost 6-4.
Mr Smart reported to council’s June meeting “at this point in time the proposal will exclude the three proposed towers within Naracoorte Lucindale Council.”
He said the other six councils “have committed to the project”.
A second call from Telstra suggested a four per cent contribution from NLC would be okay – around $115,000.
This article appeared in the Naracoorte Community News.
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