A Shorten Labor Government will improve TV reception in the Hunter Region and Central Coast with a commitment of $2.5 million to build up to three new digital TV towers in the Shortland electorate.
Member for Shortland Pat Conroy made the announcement today at Charlestown, one of the areas badly affected by poor TV reception.
“Poor TV reception is among the top five issues people complain about to my office, especially since the switch from analogue to digital TV,” Mr Conroy said.
“This is a significant issue, as free-to-air TV remains the most accessible form of news and current affairs, making it an important part of the democratic process.
“It is also vital in keeping our community safe in times of emergencies such as bushfires, especially in areas with poor mobile phone reception.
“It is a lifeline, particularly for older members of our community.”
The Shortland Digital Television Reception Survey, which Mr Conroy conducted in May 2017, found that only 54 per cent of households surveyed were satisfied with their TV reception after the switch from analogue to digital TV, compared to 83 per cent beforehand.
The survey showed the worst affected areas are Belmont, Belmont North, Caves Beach, Charlestown, Dudley, Eleebana and Mount Hutton.
“These are not remote, rural hamlets, but densely populated areas close to the city, and this is unacceptable,” Mr Conroy said.
“Complaints continue to come in, from as far south as Lake Munmorah. People say they are forced to outlay money for technicians, antennas and satellite dishes, sometimes with no improvement at all in reception.”
Of the half of survey respondents who paid for a technician to inspect their TV antenna, 60 per cent said they saw little or no improvement, Mr Conroy said.
Labor’s $2.5 million commitment will fund a field test by the Australian Communications and Media Authority to establish the optimal locations for three digital TV towers, as well as installation of up to three towers.
Regional broadcasters are expected to make a contribution to the towers; and Labor will work with them to deliver on this commitment.
The towers are expected to boost reception not just in the Shortland electorate, but into Newcastle, the Hunter Valley and the Central Coast as well.
Labor can afford to fund initiatives like this, as well as pay for better schools and hospitals, cheaper childcare and free dental for pensioners because we are closing down the Liberals’ unfair tax loopholes for the top end of town.