Solid progress has been made to establish a mobile phone tower set to rectify Gracetown’s communication woes.

Margaret River-based MLC Barry House says a proposed 60m mast at the old tip site and future water treatment facility is the best option to date.

“There is obviously significant interest in improving mobile coverage in this area, apart from the fact that locals and tourists are increasingly reliant on this technology, there is an important safety issue surrounding the need to have reliable mobile communication with emergency services,” Mr House said.

He has previously acknowledged improved communications at the coast were one of the key safety issues for the region.

Discussions with community stakeholders and Government agencies, including emergency services, have bubbled away in the background and the location now had Telstra support.

The proposed tower could be used by the Department of Environment and Conservation to help with emergency responses, Mr House said.

“My initial interest in this issue began when I was contacted by the Gracetown Progress Association regarding the limited mobile coverage in this area. Since then I have pushed for Government support for this infrastructure,” he said.

DEC also recommended the new tower be considered as part of LandCorp’s planning for the redevelopment of Gracetown, with improved mobile phone reception an issue for some residents.

Other Gracetown residents have previously told the Times they would not welcome a phone tower.