Off and racing: One hundred and fifty pigeons were released on Tuesday in Wunghnu, racing against text messages. Photo: Supplied
Independent candidate for the federal seat of Nicholls Rob Priestly was at Wunghnu on Tuesday, April 26, for a race between carrier pigeons and text messages.
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Mr Priestly launched 150 birds in a race against locals trying to send text messages at the same time — highlighting the underinvestment in telecommunications blackspots in Nicholls.
The pigeons carried a message asking for leaders of the major parties to give overlooked communities equivalent attention to all other rural electorates.
“Carrier pigeons have been used for over 2000 years and it’s frustrating that they are still the most reliable way to communicate in many parts of regional Victoria,” Mr Priestly said.
“Just one carrier pigeon would be better than a mobile phone in places like Wunghnu.
“As the second safest conservative seat in Australia, rural areas in Nicholls such as Wunghnu have consistently been overlooked for investment.”
Air mail: The messages attached to the legs of messenger pigeons in Wunghnu on Tuesday.
Mr Priestly highlighted the urgent need for an upgrade to allow residents to fully participate in society.
“In 2022, it’s impossible to run a business or educate your kids without reliable telecommunications,” he said.
“Having to travel somewhere else to get reception every time you want to phone your family or talk to colleagues is just not good enough.
“Every Australian deserves fair and equitable access — not just those in marginal electorates.”
He said the neighbouring seat of Indi, which is held by independent Helen Haines, had been the “most successful seat in Victoria” at attracting funding for new mobile towers.
“Nicholls has received the fewest new towers in regional Victoria. We need the same level of attention as our neighbours in Indi,” Mr Priestly said.
“Competition for the seat of Nicholls will be an incredible driver of government investment for the services and infrastructure we need.”
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