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Regional Communications | May 03, 2021

Better mobile coverage at last for Gazette

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy has congratulated the Gazette community on its successful campaign to have mobile coverage in the area upgraded.

Ms Kealy has worked closely with the Gazette community for upgraded mobile infrastructure to improve safety for local residents.

She said Telstra’s announcement today that it would improve mobile coverage in the area was testament to the community’s tireless advocacy.

The Victorian and Australian governments will co-fund the upgrade works in partnership with Telstra and NBN Co.

“Better mobile telephone coverage for regional communities is vital to ensure the safety of these communities and to support local investment, create local jobs and build stronger regional communities,” Ms Kealy said.

“We know the Gazette community was put at extreme risk and severely disadvantaged by terrible access to mobile services during the St Patrick’s Day bushfires back in 2018 which is simply not good enough.

“Locals have been frustrated by the Andrews Labor Government’s inaction in providing this critical infrastructure in a community that desperately needs it, so this announcement is well overdue.”

Ms Kealy said Telstra had also announced it would improve mobile coverage in other local towns including Halls Gap.

“I have been proud to work closely with these communities on this important issue and look forward to seeing local residents enjoy the benefits that improved mobile telephone service will deliver for many years to come,” she said.