Dept of Climate Change, Energy, Environment & Water
Mobile Connectivity Boost For Kakadu National Park
Senator The Hon Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water
The Hon Joshua Burgoyne MLA, NT Minister for Corporate and Digital Development
Marion Scrymgour MP, Special Envoy for Remote Communities and Member for Lingiari
Visitors to Kakadu National Park will now have access to more reliable mobile phone coverage and better access to emergency services, thanks to new upgrades jointly funded by the Albanese Government, Northern Territory Government and Telstra.
The $7.5 million Connecting Kakadu program began in May 2023 and is delivering improved mobile connectivity across the Park.
This improved coverage at key destinations across Kakadu, including Gunlom campground, will have a positive impact on the safety of tourists and Territorians, with the ability to call Triple Zero in an emergency from more areas within the park. Visitors that have a mobile service with another network provider, will be able to call Triple Zero using the Telstra mobile network should their provider’s network not be available.
As part of the rollout, Telstra has installed two macro towers at the Jim Jim Ranger Station and along the Arnhem Highway, and four new small cell sites are now live at Gunlom campground, Gungurul, Ikoymarrwa (Mary River Ranger Station) and the Northern Information Bay on the Arnhem Highway.
Three more sites – Burrungkuy, Karnamarr and Maguk- are scheduled to receive mobile coverage later in 2025.
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt:
“Kakadu is one of Australia’s most iconic national parks and we want people to be able to enjoy the region safely. It could be to access maps, post a selfie or contact emergency services – these upgrades will allow visitors to better connect while travelling in Kakadu.
“This new connectivity improves the visitor experience and also supports ranger operations and community safety by enabling more reliable communication in more places within the park’s vast and remote terrain.”
Quotes attributable to NT Minister for Corporate and Digital Development, Joshua Burgoyne:
“This is a big win for locals and visitors alike.
“Whether you’re camping under the stars or exploring Kakadu’s incredible landscape, you should be able to connect and call for help if you need it.
“Investing in reliable mobile coverage in places like Kakadu means investing in our tourism industry and our Territory lifestyle.”
Quotes attributable to Special Envoy for Remote Communities and Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour:
“Having reliable connections to emergency services is vital, particularly in remote communities.
“I’m pleased that our Government is delivering this project with Telstra.
“This will not only benefit the tourists and local Territorians who visit Kakadu but importantly will increase the safety for local residents who live in communities in the Park.”
Quotes attributable to Telstra Northern Territory Regional General Manager, Nic Danks:
“We are very proud to provide this significant improvement to Kakadu’s mobile coverage. This project underscores Telstra’s commitment to providing connectivity to some of the most remote and beautiful parts of our country, to support both locals and visitors. We are dedicated to enhancing communication networks for the benefit of the community and tourism.”
https://minister.dcceew.gov.au/watt/media-releases/joint-media-release-mobile-connectivity-boost-kakadu-national-park