Recfishwest welcomes the announcement that the State Government is boosting mobile coverage at dozens of coastal locations around the state.
It includes $2 million set aside for the installation of mobile towers at 35 spots where fishers enjoy wetting a line, with coverage improvements at a further 20 popular beaches now underway following the inaugural announcement of funding in 2023.
Check out the spots set to receive improved mobile coverage towards the end of 2025 below.
As part of our Fish and Survive program promoting safer fishing, Recfishwest has consistently called for improved mobile coverage at areas where reception has been slow or non-existent.
“Everyone deserves to come home safe from a day’s fishing as well as all West Aussies who enjoy experiencing our great outdoors. This announcement will ultimately result in technological leaps forwards to support better connection during emergency situations in these areas, but we would like to see more locations added,” said Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland.
Salmon Holes remains in black hole
While Recfishwest is pleased to see this funding towards these improvements, one infamous and popular fishing spot – Salmon Holes near Albany – a place that has sadly claimed many lives, was not included on the list.
“With the high levels of technology we have in our society, there really is no excuse for Salmon Holes and adjacent locations to not have phone coverage, certainly not after a coronial inquest following multiple deaths there recommended it over 9 years ago. It needs to be added to the list immediately,” Andrew added.
While popular fishing spots that have seen incidents before such as Lowlands, Sugarloaf Rock and Moses Rock on our Southern and South-West coast and the Quobba coast in the Gascoyne are set for upgrades – Recfishwest will continue to push for Salmon Holes to be included.
Have you noticed black holes in mobile coverage at fishing spots near you that need urgent attention? We want to hear from you – contact us here.