UPDATE: Hawkesbury City Council’s failure to secure funding for vital emergency communication towers has left bushfire-prone communities in grave danger. Just revealed, the council returned crucial grant money, jeopardizing the construction of mobile towers in Berambing and other regions, which were intended to bolster communications during disasters.
The council received funding from the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program in July 2021, aimed at enhancing communication infrastructure after the devastating 2019-20 Black Summer fires. The initiative was designed to combat the unreliable mobile coverage in bushfire-impacted areas like St Albans, Upper Macdonald, Central Macdonald, and Bilpin. However, as of now, the towers in Upper Macdonald and Berambing remain incomplete.
On 17 April 2025, just days after the federal grant expired on 30 March 2025, the council finally approved the development application for the Berambing tower. This approval came too late, as it depended on funding that was no longer available, leaving the community in the lurch and without essential communication infrastructure.
Community leaders have expressed their outrage. Peter Milne, public officer of the Mt Tomah Berambing Community Association, stated,
“We were appalled to discover that the delay in so doing has resulted in the loss of the Federal funds allocated for its construction.”
The frustration is palpable as residents struggle with unreliable mobile service, especially during emergencies like bushfires.
The region is one of the least connected in New South Wales. During the catastrophic fires, residents were cut off from emergency services, underscoring the urgent need for the Berambing tower. Local planning reports highlight that this tower is crucial for ensuring adequate mobile coverage during potential natural disasters.
In stark contrast, the neighboring Blue Mountains City Council successfully built a mobile tower at Mt Tomah, enhancing coverage along key routes. Local advocacy groups are now calling for accountability, urging the council and local MP Susan Templeman to work collaboratively to restore or secure alternative funding for this critical project.
Marg Tadrosse, President of the Bells Line of Road Business Council, emphasized,
“The Black Summer grants were meant to make sure we were never without communications in an emergency again.”
As local businesses and residents face the consequences of administrative delays, they are demanding immediate action to rectify the situation.
The need for reliable communication is not just about convenience; it is a matter of life and death. In December 2019, during a similar crisis, residents were left without warnings as fires raged dangerously close. One resident recounted the panic they faced during the 70-meter fire front, stating,
“We were confronted with flames surrounding our home. It was terrifying.”
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this bureaucratic failure, a spokesperson for Hawkesbury Council indicated they are working with the National Emergency Management Agency to restore funding for the project. However, the timeline for resolution remains uncertain, leaving residents anxious and vulnerable.
The urgency for action is clear. Local groups demand the establishment of a parliamentary inquiry into Hawkesbury’s disaster preparedness. The lack of essential services and infrastructure has raised alarming concerns about the community’s safety as fire season approaches.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed as this story develops. The stakes are high, and the need for effective communication infrastructure has never been more critical. With lives on the line, the community is calling for immediate and decisive action to ensure their safety and resilience in the face of future disasters.
