The state government may have taken steps to reduce mobile black spots, but there is still fierce competition for Moorabool to secure funding to eliminate them, mayor Paul Tatchell said last week.
Cr Tatchell said 39 Moorabool locations had been nominated as needing improved mobile coverage.
But the locations – which include Blackwood, Dales Creek, Greendale and Ballan – are competing with about 6200 other areas around the nation for funding, he said.
Last week, the state government announced a partnership with Telstra to make a joint funding bid to the federal government’s mobile black spots program.
Small Business, Innovation and Trade Minister Adem Somyurek signed a memorandum of understanding with Telstra to be part of the telco’s application to extend and improve mobile phone coverage in rural and regional areas.
If successful, the partnership will lead to greater investment in Victoria and result in the construction of more mobile phones towers across the state.
Mr Somyurek said the state government was pleased to partner with Telstra and address priority mobile black spots for regional communities.
“The government understands the critical role mobile communication plays in regional Victoria,” he said.
Cr Tatchell said: “Council welcomes any partnerships between retail service providers and state and federal governments that facilitate greater investment in more mobile phone towers across the state.
“There’s still fierce competition for locations nationwide.
“Telstra’s got to secure the federal government funding to roll out the program in our region and then it will be subject to the usual planning processes.
“But it’s an encouraging development that should increase the likelihood of some much-needed investment in mobile infrastructure in our shire.”
Earlier this month, the council urged residents to lobby for action to improve mobile coverage in the area by contacting their telecommunications company.
Last week, the state government announced a partnership with Telstra to make a joint funding bid to the federal government’s mobile bCr Tatchell said the council was working with communities needing mobile service upgrades.
