Stuart mobile phone black spots targeted

18Jan

Some of the worst mobile phone “black spots” in regional South Australia, including in the Stuart Electorate, will be addressed through a $10 million funding commitment by a Marshall Liberal Government.

Member for Stuart Dan van Holst Pellekaan has been fighting for mobile blackspot funding and welcomed the announcement with a number of notorious blackspots in his electorate.

“There are many mobile blackspots in the our electorate including the Barrier Hwy between Peterborough and Broken Hill, around Robertstown, Nipapanha Community in the Flinders Ranges and the Outback Hwy between Hawker and Leigh Creek,” said Mr van Holst Pellekaan.

“Reliable mobile phone coverage supports locals, tourists, businesses and emergency services as well as access to emails and the internet.

“In this day and age, communities rely on having mobile phone coverage to undertake everyday tasks and this access also plays an important role for primary producers who utilise mobile-based technology on their properties, as well as weather updates and access to services.

“Mobile phone blackspots in regional and remote areas pose far greater risks than closer to the city and fixing them offers even greater benefits.

“There was much community angst when the Weatherill Labor Government failed to contribute to round one of the Federal Government’s mobile blackspot program and just $1.5 million in round two, compared to $144 million spent by other state governments.

“This announcement forms part of our one billion dollar Recharging Our Regions package which is a comprehensive plan to grow regional jobs, increase investment in regional infrastructure, drive down the cost of living and improve frontline services.”

A Marshall Liberal Government will work with telecommunications companies on delivering these new mobile phone towers and possible co-funding arrangements.