Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, has delivered a major victory for the Collinsville community, with Telstra reversing its earlier stance and committing to the construction of a new mobile base station in the town.
This vital infrastructure will significantly improve connectivity for residents, ensuring better access to services and enhanced safety.
Telstra has confirmed to Michelle Landry MP that planning for the new mobile tower is underway, with community consultations set to begin in December.
Construction is expected to commence in early 2025.
Ms Landry described the outcome as a hard-fought win for the people of Collinsville, following months of relentless lobbying to both the Minister for Communications and the Telstra CEO.
“The current lack of connectivity in Collinsville is unacceptable,” she said.
“This isn’t just about accessing the internet; it’s about the safety and wellbeing of individuals who can’t contact emergency services when they need to.”
Ms Landry criticised the initial response from Telstra but emphasised the power of persistence and community advocacy in achieving this result.
“I fought hard on behalf of the Collinsville community, pressing the Minister for Communications and Telstra to take this issue seriously.
“Thanks to the pressure we applied, we’ve finally secured the commitment to deliver what this town deserves.
“This is why I’m here – to stand up for the needs of our community. I’m proud to have achieved this outcome,” Ms. Landry said.
This announcement marks a significant step forward for Collinsville, where improved mobile coverage will enhance quality of life and ensure residents stay connected when it matters most.
PHOTO: Flashback to July 23, at the Collinsville QCWA Hall, when Michelle Landry MP took a Telstra representative to meet with locals, who were experiencing significant telecommunication issues. From this meeting, it was consistently stated that the town was in dire need of a new tower.
