Irwin Shire vote to install Telstra telecommunication tower to improve mobile coverage in Dongara

Telstra is planning to improve its network coverage in Dongara after submitting a development application with the council to install a new mobile tower following reliability concerns. The Shire of Irwin has received a development application to install a telecommunications tower in a civic precinct on the western edge of the Dongara town centre on Armstrong Street. The development application comes after the telco giant completed an analysis of its mobile network in Dongara that identified areas where 4G and 5G quality needed to be improved — a result of ongoing community concerns about reliable connection in the northern Dongara area. The proposed tower will consist of a 30m high grey monopole that’s 1.6m in diameter at the base, tapering to 0.6m, with the top carrying a circular headframe with six 1m panel antennas. There will be a 7.5sqm beige equipment shelter and ancillary equipment such as an antenna, cabling, and mounts. The site holds the existing telecommunications exchange building, with the new tower to be based on the south-east corner. Upgrading the current tower in Port Denison was not an option as it was unable to provide the coverage needed in northern parts of Dongara and the town centre. Councillors were due to vote to approve the application at its Tuesday meeting.