Twelve new or upgraded towers built with Federal Government funding will improve mobile phone coverage across Gippsland.
Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said 11 of the towers were already on line, with the remaining one due for completion within weeks.
The tower upgrades have been jointly funded by Telstra and the Federal Government targeting areas with poor coverage, primarily across East Gippsland.
New or upgraded towers are operational in Benambra, Buchan South, Sarsfield, Tongio, Dargo, Butcher’s Ridge and Bonang. In addition, Telstra has built a new tower at Lake Tyers Beach from its own resources.
Mr Chester said improved connectivity was critical for social and economic reasons in the region.
“For locals and visitors, the upgrades to our roads, including the Princes Highway, Great Alpine Road and Monaro Highway, along with better mobile phone connections will mean it is easier to stay in touch and do business in our region,” Mr Chester said.
“But more importantly in emergency situations, like a car crash or bush fire, improved mobile phone coverage will help to save lives.”
In the Latrobe Valley, towers are operational at Austin’s Hill (near Boolarra) and Gormandale. The Gormandale tower and new towers at Carrajung Lower and Mack’s Creek (under construction) will boost coverage for motorists along the Hyland Highway.
Mr Chester acknowledged there was always more work to be done with Gippsland’s hilly terrain making full coverage extremely difficult.
He commended Telstra for its efforts to work with Government to improve coverage under the Mobile Phone Black Spots program.
“Households are becoming more and more reliant on accessing their mobile phone for everyday jobs – even medical clinics and hairdressing salons use the text service for appointment reminders,” Mr Chester said.
“Many schools have transitioned to online newsletters and electronic communication with parents to reduce administration costs; and most sports clubs now post their fixtures and team results onto team apps.
“Having mobile phone access is increasingly important and I continue to work with my Parliamentary colleagues and telecommunications companies to see further investment to reduce blackspots.”
