General News
22 October, 2024
Mobile flip: Government ditches town phone pledge
By CHRIS EARL THE State Government has backed away from its promise to improve mobile phone connectivity in southern Loddon districts. The bombshell revelation came on Monday night when more than 60 people filled the Newbridge hall to vent their...
By CHRIS EARL
THE State Government has backed away from its promise to improve mobile phone connectivity in southern Loddon districts.
The bombshell revelation came on Monday night when more than 60 people filled the Newbridge hall to vent their blackspot frustration.
Better mobile phone coverage for Newbridge had been promised in 2022 with the Government committing to finishing work by next year.
But Jarrah Storey, office manager for Ripon MP Martha Haylett, read a statement to Monday’s meeting that said: “Based on recently updated analysis, I am now advised ... projects will not provide the direct mobile improvements we anticipated.”
Ms Haylett’s statement said that completed projects at Bill Hill, near Kangaroo Flat and Wilsons Hill and a proposed Marong tower had initially been expected to “bring improved connectivity to Newbridge”.
Ms Haylett’s statement said she had raised concerns with the State and Federal Governments. “I will continue to fight for better mobile reception across the Loddon Shire, especially from the Federal Government.”
She did not say whether there would be a push for funding under the State Government’s Connecting Victoria Program or to find the cash from phone blackspot grant pots.
Ms Haylett has been asked for details on the analysis that has seen Newbridge drop out of the State Government’s better mobile service promise.
Telstra took the brunt of criticism at the meeting organised by Newbridge, Arnold and Llanelly community plan committee and also attended by people from nearby Laanecoorie.
They questioned regional manager Kamini Kumaran on plans for a mobile tower in the district after she told the meeting there was a two-year lag from funding being received to completion of new towers.
She said: “We definitely need co-funding for a tower ... the biggest challenge is funding and then it (can take) up to two years.”
Ms Kumaran said Telstra was not solely responsible for funding and “we haven’t decided on a location. We have to confirm funding before location”.
Andrew Simpson told the meeting: “If you (Telstra) don’t do the work in the community, it would be a disaster.”
Ms Kumaran was challenged by one farmer who said: “Why do you require co-funding to support your business. Why don’t you invest in your own business like the rest of us.”
The farmer, who wanted to remain anonymous, said part of Telstra’s $6 billion revenue should be used in country investment and suggested a “small surcharge” on Melbourne customers to ensure rural users had the same level of connectivity.
Ms Kumaran and NBN regional development and engagement manager Chris Rowlands also meet locals during pop-up sessions on Tuesday.