The community is hoping to partner with Telstra and Neoen — the company developing the Goorambat East Solar Farm — to address the issue, and isputting pressure on state and federal members of parliament to pursue an application for a new tower under the Mobile Black Spot Program.
State Member for Euroa Steph Ryan said the meeting was a positive start to improving telecommunications in Goorambat and its surrounding areas.
“Gaps in Goorambat’s telecommunications network are making life very difficult for farmers and residents,” Ms Ryan said.
“There is an opportunity for government and Telstra to partner with Neoen to help improve coverage in the area.”
A spokesperson from Neoen Australia said the company was keen to help locals address the issue.
“Neoen is the renewable energy company developing the Goorambat East Solar Farm to add to their growing portfolio of 11 operating wind, solar and storage projects including South Australia’s ‘big battery’,” the spokesperson said.
“Solar farms, like any grid-connected energy generator, need several lines of communication available in order to operate safely and meet the National Electricity Rules requirements, and significant investments in telecommunication are often required.
“When Neoen heard the need for investment in better mobile phone service expressed by the community at the project’s community information day in March, they sought to work with the community on a solution that could work for everyone.
“The development application for Goorambat East Solar Farm is currently under consideration. If it proceeds, Neoen hope to make a co-contribution to a successful Black Spot Program submission for Goorambat.”
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