Telstra Macro Tower Completed at Forrest Beach

20 November 2024

After years of persistent advocacy, Forrest Beach residents can finally celebrate the completion of the much-needed Telstra macro tower, providing improved connectivity to the Forrest Beach community on the coast from Ingham.

Hinchinbrook MP and Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Deputy Leader, Nick Dametto, who has fought for this project alongside Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, welcomed the news and said it would come as a huge relief to Forrest Beach residents and visitors to finally have a functioning network.

“This tower has been a long time coming, and while it’s taken over two years since funding was secured in May 2022, I’m pleased that Forrest Beach residents now have the improved service they’ve been waiting for,” Mr. Dametto said.

The journey began in November 2021, when Mr. Dametto and Mr. Katter held a community meeting in Forrest Beach to advocate for a permanent solution to the area’s severe communication blackspots. Mr. Katter successfully secured $785,350 in federal funding for the macro tower, marking a significant step forward for the region.

“Forrest Beach is home to many retirees and young families, and being 20 minutes from the Ingham Hospital, reliable telecommunications is a critical safety need,” Mr. Dametto said.

“This new tower will finally allow residents to connect with loved ones, access essential online services, and enjoy faster speeds on their devices—a standard that every telecommunications customer deserves.

“Although this is a major milestone for Forrest Beach, there are still many other communities across Hinchinbrook and North Queensland in need of improved connectivity. Together with the Federal Member for Kennedy, we will work to ensure that these areas are prioritised moving forward.”

Mr. Katter expressed relief the tower was finally completed and congratulated locals on their tireless dedication to seeing the project come to fruition.

“It’s been a long, tough slog to get here,” Mr. Katter said. “And it wouldn’t have happened without Nick Dametto and this wonderful community – tirelessly fighting for an essential service. I admire your tenacity and celebrate alongside you today!”

On behalf of the Forrest Beach community Mr Dametto extended his thanks to Telstra, Ergon, the contractors and the technicians who were tasked with constructing the tower.

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