Reliable, quality mobile phone and television signals are not a luxury or a nice-to-have — they’re essential communications infrastructure.
That’s why an Albanese Labor Government will invest to deliver new infrastructure in black spot areas.
Mobile Coverage
Working with telecommunication companies, Labor will invest $2.25 million to improve mobile coverage in the areas of Eleebana, the Jewells and Redhead region, Lake Munmorah, and Budgewoi.
This follows on from our work with Optus to install a new tower at Mount Hutton which Telstra and Vodafone are co-locating at.
It is intolerable that so many residents and businesses in the Shortland electorate continue to have unreliable mobile phone reception.
This is particularly shocking when people have been forced to work from home during the pandemic, struggled to make or receive phone calls, cannot have telehealth appointments, and have been unable to check in via QR codes.
For years, the Member for Shortland has raised this issue and requested the Government expand the Mobile Black Spot Program to include our region, however these calls have been repeatedly ignored.
Improving television signal
Labor will also invest $2.5 million in new digital TV towers to improve reception for families in the Shortland electorate.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority will be tasked with conducting a field study to identify optimal locations for up to three digital TV towers.
This will deliver significant improvement to quality of life in the region, not just Shortland, but also with potential for areas in Newcastle, Western Lake Macquarie, the Hunter Valley and the Central Coast.
Labor believes Australian deserve the best possible communications infrastructure – whether that be mobile coverage, television reception or the NBN.
Quotes attributable to Pat Conroy, Member for Shortland:
“One of the main issues people in our community raise with me is unreliable mobile phone reception.
“The Liberals and Nationals have been in government for nine long years but have refused to do anything to address this significant issue.
“Labor has heard the wishes of our community and understands how essential it is to have reliable mobile phone and television infrastructure in the Shortland electorate.”
Quotes attributable to Michelle Rowland MP, Shadow Minister for Communications:
“Improving connectivity is a top priority for Labor. This is why we have committed to a better plan for the NBN, and a smarter plan for expanding regional mobile coverage.”
“We will grow the economy by investing in productivity enhancing digital infrastructure, as well as improving quality of life for local communities and road commuters through better mobile coverage.”