BRINGING 4G TO REMOTE VICTORIAN COMMUNITIES
As its name might suggest, the Mount Terrible project in Victoria’s High Country was never going to be a walk in the park.
Peaking at 1325 metres above sea level and well above the snowline, Mount Terrible is notorious for its steep tracks and remoteness as well as its susceptibility to snow and bushfires.
Jason and Nick were tasked with installing a new reliable power system at the Mount Terrible communications site – without the presence of a mains supply. Sitting on top of the mountain is a 22-metre high steel tower that supports mobile and radio technology used by the community, Government departments and emergency services. It also serves as a staffed bushfire watchtower. The new power system, in turn, allowed for the installation of new 4G mobile equipment.
The improved coverage has meant the remote communities around Mount Terrible can access fast mobile voice and data services for the first time.
The team successfully completed the project in 18 months. Along the way, they accommodated several design change requests, kept the impact to the environment to a minimum through the use of improved and increased solar panel systems, and overcame logistical complexities, such as the need to have a large section of the access track graded.
Importantly, despite the remoteness, the likelihood of snow in winter and bushfire danger in summer, thorough planning resulted in the work being completed without a single health and safety incident.
Thanks to Jason and Nick’s efforts, our client has a more resilient site and improved mobile coverage, and the surrounding communities are safer and better connected. Not so terrible, after all!
