Black spot bliss

Of course all sides of politics would like to take credit, and in realty they might be able to this time, as this has come from a collaborative effort between the Victorian Labor and Federal Coalition governments.

Federal funding for the new infrastructure in Lima, and several other sites across the state, is via Round 4 of the Mobile Black Spot Program.

Federal Minister for Regional Services Senator Bridget McKenzie announced the locations of 32 new base stations in Victoria, last Thursday.

‘‘Reliable and effective mobile communications are a key driver of the enormous contribution that our regions make to Australia’s economic growth,’’ Ms McKenzie said.

‘‘Greater availability of mobile services is a big deal. It means staying safe in remote areas, keeping in contact with family and friends, unlocking access to online health and education services as well as increased tourism and business opportunities.’’

Outgoing Federal Member for Indi Cathy McGowan said she welcomed the announcement.

‘‘This is further vindication of the hard-working communities that banded together under the Indi Telecommunications Action Group to push for better connectivity,’’ Ms McGowan said.

‘‘I am proud to say this brings the total number of mobile phone towers in Indi to 52 — that’s 42 from the Federal Government’s funding program and 10 from the Victorian program.

‘‘The benefits of improved connectivity in rural areas are enormous. This ability to connect with emergency services, health and education institutions, is vital.

‘‘And our economic growth, including in the tourism area, and our sustainability as business and cultural communities also depends on being able to stay in touch.’’

Candidates for Indi, Independent Helen Haines and National Mark Byatt welcomed the news.

‘‘Today’s funding announcement means that 42 base stations in Indi have been funded... (aiming) to eliminate mobile phone black spots,’’ Ms Haines said.

‘‘If I’m elected, I’m committed to working with whoever forms government to ensure that this program continues until all communities in Indi have high-quality connectivity and coverage.’’

Mr Byatt said he was thrilled that residents and businesses in Indi could now enjoy the benefits and opportunities that improved mobile connectivity brought.

‘‘Improved mobile coverage will help keep our businesses connected, our families to stay in touch and it means we can better access health and online services on the go especially for those families and farmers in Lima South,’’ Mr Byatt said.

State Minister Martin Pakula spoke about the latest $5.8m investment towards eliminating mobile black spots.

‘‘These new towers will make a real difference — boosting safety and coverage for communities across regional Victoria,’’ Mr Pakula said.

‘‘We’ve already delivered more than 130 new mobile towers, giving regional Victorians access to better information and a better signal when they need it most.’’

The state government had committed $55 million to 194 new regional mobile towers, which will connect 20000 premises to coverage for the first time.

More than 130 of these towers are complete and this announcement means the Victorian Government is funding 224 towers across the state.

Ms McKenzie said on top of the recent state funding the Federal Government had made $6.5 million available for the project.

That is delivering 1047 new base stations and generating more than $760 million of new investment in mobile infrastructure including contributions from state and local governments, mobile network operators, businesses and local communities.

Base stations under the first three rounds are scheduled to be operational by June 30.

Round 4 base stations are expected to roll out shortly with the first new stations being activated by the second half the year.