Residents from remote areas within East Gippsland will have better mobile connectivity under an elected Liberal Nationals Government.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull said an elected Liberal Nationals Government will invest $30 million over four years in telecommunications infrastructure that improves mobile coverage and competition across Victoria.
Mr Bull said limited to no coverage in places like in some parts of East Gippsland were affecting the ability to attract and retain residents and businesses.
“Better connectivity in our region will boost liveability, quality of life and business productivity, helping local people to stay in touch with friends and family and run their business,” Mr Bull said.
“I’ve spoken to many people who say limited phone service and blackspots reduce their productivity and profitability, chewing up time as they try to find coverage or missing important messages altogether.
“A Liberal Nationals Government will make it a priority to invest in better coverage in Regional Victoria, including in areas prone to bushfire, along transport routes, key agribusiness areas and in communities with limited telecommunications access.”
Poor mobile connectivity impacts liveability, quality of life and business productivity and profitability in rural and regional Victoria.
Regional Victorians, and notably farmers, rate telecommunications as one of the most pressing public policy problems affecting their lives and businesses.
Shadow Minister for Regional Victoria and Decentralisation Peter Walsh said the Victorian investment program would leverage co-investments from federal and local governments, service providers, businesses and communities.
“There are too many places across our State where communications services aren’t up to scratch and if a Liberal Nationals Government is elected we’re determined to invest and change that,” Mr Walsh said.
“In this digital age where the internet, smart phones and technology dominate, it is absolutely critical that families and businesses in rural and regional areas have reliable telephone and internet services.
“We’re determined to get rural and regional Victoria connected and if we are elected, we’ll get the job started with this $30 million investment.”
Caption: The Nationals Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull says a Liberal Nationals Government will invest $30 million over four years in telecommunications infrastructure that improves mobile coverage.
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
