Mobile black spots a big issue

The issue of mobile phone coverage in the region has been brought to fore after a 43-year-old Capel man was fatally injured while hang-gliding in Wilyabrup Friday last week.

A teenager found the man unconscious after he crashed into rocks at Moses Rock beach about 3.45pm, but because of bad phone reception was forced to leave the site to call emergency services.

The accident has placed further pressure on the State Government to deliver on their promise to build two new mobile towers in Wilyabrup and Gracetown following a series of tragedies, including three fatal shark attacks.

Vasse MLA Libby Mettam said the accident highlighted the issues with telecommunication in the region.

"It is particularly upsetting to hear, not only of this tragedy, but also what the person who found the hang-glider had to go through to reach the emergency services," she said.

"Communications is a real issue in this region and of course it would be ideal to cover every square, but we have to prioritise roads and emergency areas.

"Our hearts go out to the family as well as deep gratitude to St John Ambulance, Dunsborough police, FESA and Augusta-Margaret River SES."

The State Government has pledged $45 million towards the Regional Telecommunications Project, with Wilyabrup and Gracetown among the first 22 priority sites for a tower.

South West MLC Adele Farina said as the population grew telecommunication would become a bigger problem.

"It's very disappointing the government hasn't delivered on their commitment for a tower in that area," she said.

"There's an expectation from residents and tourists that we have a good coverage.

"Telstra and the State Government need to get their act together."

Telstra area general manager Boyd Brown said Telstra was planning to build a new mobile tower in early 2016 to provide mobile coverage to the Wilybrup area.

Dunsborough police officer-in-charge Sergeant Peter Bahen said the whole region was dotted with black spots which had the potential to affect emergency services.

"Having good telecommunication is of paramount to emergency services and for emergencies," he said.