Regional communities and first responders are being left without basic connectivity during natural disasters due to unreliable telecommunications infrastructure.

Nationals Senator for New South Wales and Shadow Minister for Emergency Management, Fisheries and Forestry, and Water, Ross Cadell said recent events, including the destructive bushfires that ripped through Victoria last Friday had exposed the fragile nature of the existing system.

“Recent bushfires and flooding knocked out critical infrastructure leaving communities with no access to up-to-date information at the height of the event,” Cadell said.

“At the height of last Friday’s bushfire, hundreds of telecommunications towers were out of action having been impacted by fire and strong winds.

“When you’re deciding on whether to stay or leave your home ahead of a fire, or scouring for current flood predictions you should be able to without stressing about the state of your provider’s infrastructure.

“Sadly, recent events have shown the current system to be nothing more than a watering can in a firestorm.

“Disaster roaming and backup coverage should be guaranteed, not something people discover they don’t have when it’s already too late.”