Erasing black spots in bush
FEDERAL Member for Maranoa David Littleproud has welcomed the government’s plan to address more mobile service black spots.
The Federal Government will commit $25 million for a fourth round of the Mobile Black Spot Program, delivering more coverage to regional and remote communities.
“For too long those in the bush had to stand on one foot, on top of a hill in the back paddock trying to pick up a signal,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Better mobile coverage helps rural business, tourism, families and communities.
“Local residents, councils, businesses and community groups were given the opportunity to nominate areas for better mobile coverage.
“This Coalition Government is the first government to actually put in place a Mobile Black Spot Program,” Mr Littleproud said.
“In government, Labor didn’t invest a single cent in mobile coverage and didn’t fix a single mobile black spot.
“The opposition has no policy to expand mobile coverage. They’re short on ideas and short on care for rural Australia.”
The new round will call for applications from mobile carriers within the coming months, taking input from state, territory and local governments, as well as businesses, community organisations and emergency services.
The Mobile Black Spot Program is already more than halfway through the delivery of 867 base stations nationwide by June 2019.
The competitive selection process for round four of the program is expected to commence in the second half of 2018.