Starlink investment crucial to overcome bushfire brigade shortfalls: firefighters

Shire of Augusta-Margaret River bushfire brigades are eyeing a major contract with Elon Musk’s Starlink.

The shire recently heard pleas from fireys to sign up for the satellite-based internet provider to help combat persistent communication failures during incidents.

While the Department of Fire and Emergency Services had provided one of Musk’s Starlink receivers during peak times, the shire was advancing plans to secure its own permanent solution due to telecommunication frustrations affecting bushfire efforts.

Shire president Julia Meldrum said the request would be addressed in budget planning.

“Given council’s recognition of the critical role communication plays during incidents and the importance of equipping our dedicated volunteers with the necessary tools to support their vital work, this request will receive prioritised attention during the budget process,” she said.

Last month’s Local Emergency Management Committee was told phone coverage was worsening.

“There has been a noticeable reduction in the capacity of the mobile phone network to provide an acceptable level of coverage across the shire,” the report said.

“This is particularly noticeable during the summer holiday period when it seems that the network becomes overloaded, and capacity seems to be reduced.”

The shortfalls had caused problems for brigades, including missing initial turn-out messages for incidents.

At last month’s council meeting, councillor and veteran firefighter Ian Earl said phone connections were “always a problem” and sometimes volunteers had to go to extreme lengths to maintain network connection while also fighting fires.

Cr Earl described fireys clambering atop vehicles to get phone reception during major incidents.

The reports echoed concerns about telecommunication black spots across the Capes region, particularly in inland areas.

The Times previously reported concerns about the decline in coverage in areas like Scott River and Warner Glen after Telstra shut down its 3G service.

A DFES spokesperson said the agency was not responsible for mobile phone coverage and declined to outline any conversations started with major providers.

“During the high-threat period, DFES proactively leases mobile Starlink receivers for operations throughout the State, including the Lower South West, to meet communications challenges,” DFES said.

“The receivers are committed to brigades, groups and units depending on risk, ensuring emergency services communications are maintained during incidents.

“DFES deploys and manages the leased Starlink system for its operations only,” the spokesperson said.

“DFES also has a cache of Starlinks held centrally in Perth which can be dispatched, as required, in addition to the deployment of mobile base stations from telecommunications providers to support operational incidents.”

City of Busselton community planning director Gary Barbour said the coverage issue was so bad the local government recently asked DFES for additional radio licences on the State’s WAERN radio frequency “to support operational requirements”.

“The city’s bushfire brigades experience the same issues that the rest of the region faces when it comes to telecommunications,” he said.

“Telecommunication gaps in the region do not vanish when there is an emergency incident.

“During an emergency incident, radio communications on the State WAERN frequency is the key communication tool.”

Mr Barbour also noted in addition to the DFES-loaned Starlink receivers, an assigned incident control vehicle provided boosts to communication services when needed.