Telstra commits to the Western Downs with major infrastructure investment

Telstra today reaffirmed its commitment to Dalby and the Western Downs announcing more than $3.5 million in capital investment for the area.

The recent completion of a $2.5 million optic fibre cable from Miles to Taroom to Cracow provides additional communications capacity for local businesses. The upgrade completes a fibre loop in the region and provides network redundancy and an alternative path to help underpin economic growth in the Western Downs.

Telstra Country Wide Executive Director Bill Dunn said the upgrade continues Telstra’s strategic investment with the recently completed fibre loop from Toowoomba to Dalby to St George.

“Telstra continues its program of investment with work including Next G™” mobile base station upgrades and the construction of two new mobile sites at Warra and Durabilla" Mr Dunn said.

“Telstra is already a strong contributor to the development of the region and this $3.5 million investment in recent months demonstrates our confidence in the sector and indeed local business.”

Telstra country Wide Area General Manager for South East Queensland Nigel Beaman said faster broadband services have arrived in Wandoan and Taroom following upgrades of the local Telstra exchanges to ADSL2+.

"ADSL is a high-speed broadband internet service which lets you use your phone or fax line while you’re on the internet. ADSL2+ gives you the capabilities of ADSL with even faster speeds. Typical customer speeds are up around 50 times faster than a 256kbps ADSL connection.

“Telstra’s networks are supported by a proven roadmap of innovation and investment. We have been able to develop this roadmap thanks to the close working relationships we have with our local communities.”

Mr Beaman said Telstra is working with Western Downs Regional Council to ensure Telstra’s planning and investment aligns with the needs of the local community.

"Things are moving fast on the Western Downs so its Telstra’s responsibility to partner with local economic development groups, chambers of commerce and Council to play a leading role in the provision of telecommunications services.

“We expect to continue working closely with Council to ensure that the region’s telecommunication needs are properly planned and co-ordinated.”

Mayor of Western Downs Regional Council, Cr Ray Brown said Telstra’s vote of confidence in the region was a positive step forward for further investment and growth.

“We look forward to working together in order to meet the needs of the growing demand for additional infrastructure and services across the area fuelled in part by the burgeoning coal, gas and energy developments,” Cr Brown said.
“I congratulate Telstra on its confidence in the Western Downs and sharing a vision with Western Downs Regional Council.”