Today’s mobile blackspot announcement is long overdue recognition of the Ballarat region’s need for better mobile phone coverage.
Hepburn Shire will see long awaited upgrades to service, with sites approved in Bullarto, Denver, Eganstown, Glenlyon, Leonards Hill and Lyonville.
Blackwood, which has almost no mobile signal reception, has also been listed as receiving a local site upgrade.
“This is very welcome news and recognition of the case I have been making for these areas to urgently receive decent mobile phone coverage,” Catherine King, Federal Member for Ballarat said today.
“Regional communities across Ballarat have been crying out for better access to mobile services for years. After 18 months of uncertainty, we finally have information on approved locations.
“Now that these sites have been approved, I hope to see work underway as soon as possible so we can prepare for the next bushfire season and make sure our regional communities are connected and much better protected.
“There are also areas within the electorate that are not receiving a direct upgrade that may be served by nearby towers.
“Dereel and Meredith will both have upgrades to their reception. After the horrible fires in 2013 this is a critical improvement.
“While Ballan, Dean, Elaine, Enfield and Napoleons should also see increases in coverage from nearby upgrades, I am disappointed significant parts of the Ballarat electorate will continue to endure unacceptable mobile phone coverage.
“I will continue to work towards securing site funding to ensure that all parts of the Ballarat electorate have adequate mobile phone coverage.
“It is important that regional areas like these have a decent mobile phone service to improve safety and communication in the bushfire season.”