On a sweltering Tuesday afternoon in Mirboo North, as residents were cooling off in the local swimming pool, a powerful storm known as a "super-cell" swept through with such intensity that it knocked down trees and left the town in chaos. Panic ensued as locals sought shelter, contacted loved ones, and tried reaching out to emergency services for help.
In the aftermath of the storm, the town was plunged into darkness as the power went out, followed by a loss of phone and internet services when fallen trees obstructed access to the Telstra tower. With no means of communication, residents struggled to report the extensive damage caused by the storm, including dangling powerlines, damaged homes, and torn-off roofs, leading to a delayed response in providing assistance to those in need. Ruth Rogan, a resident of Mirboo North, recounted the terrifying experience of feeling completely isolated during the crisis, emphasizing the crucial role communication plays in initiating an effective response during emergencies.
Despite efforts to restore power and telecommunication services in the days following the storm, Mirboo North faced a prolonged period of disconnection, raising questions about the adequacy of Australia's telecommunication infrastructure in rural and regional areas. The incident shed light on the outdated Universal Service Obligation (USO) that mandates access to voice calls via landlines, which Telstra receives funding for annually. However, with the shift towards mobile communication and digital technologies, there is a growing demand for updated regulations that ensure reliable and diverse communication options during emergencies.