MARGARET River Police sergeant Brett Cassidy has praised the state government’s announcement of improved communications for Gracetown.
Gracetown will receive a communications boost with the installation of a regional mobile phone tower set to be completed by June.
The installation of the tower will improve both mobile and internet coverage in the town.
Regional Development Minister Terry Redman and Commerce Minister Michael Mischin visited Gracetown last week to make the announcement.
Forty-five million dollars was announced under the state government’s Royalties for Regions initiative for a further 85 mobile phone towers for regional Western Australia.
Sergeant Cassidy said there were a number of “communication black spots” along the coastline between Margaret River to Gracetown and it would increase emergency services ability to communicate effectively.
“It has been a considerable issue, in a recent note it was the shark attack that we had in 2013,” he said.
“We had to relay messages to a higher point so we could communicate.
“It does place a bit of concern when you are trying to respond at the same time you are trying to get the communication out to get resources.”
Thirty-five-year-old father of two Chris Boyd was fatally attacked while surfing the Umbies break off Gracetown in November, 2013.
Shire of Augusta Margaret River president Mike Smart said for a community that had experienced a number of “significant” events, greater communication was essential.
Mr Smart said previous incidents could have been advantaged with better communications.
He thanked the National party for its Royalty for Regions initiative and the state government for identifying Gracetown as a critical site.
Department of Fire Emergency Services superintendent John Tillman said the communications upgrade would be vital in helping assist emergency service respondents.
Mr Tillman said good communications played a significant role in the way emergency services dealt certain situations