I am excited to announce that mobile phone coverage in the Otways has moved another step forward following the switching on of a new mobile phone tower in Barongarook.

Barongarook residents and businesses have suffered from poor mobile communications for far too long. That’s why I fought so hard for a commitment to fund a mobile base station upgrade in the area.

The improvements have been made possible by the Turnbull Government’s $220m Mobile Black Spot Programme.

After campaigning so hard on fixing mobile phone blackspots over a number of years, I am extremely proud of what the Turnbull Government is delivering.

We recently announced four new mobile base stations for Lorne South, Separation Creek, Kennett River and Horden Vale.  Our government is also helping to fund mobile base stations in Aireys Inlet, Apollo Bay (construction begins soon), Anglesea, Barongarook, Barwon Downs, Bellbrae, Birregurra, Cape Otway, Carlisle River (now active), Dereel, Gellibrand, Kawarren, Steiglitz and Yeodene.

I have been a very strong local voice for the needs of towns in areas of high bushfire risk.  Mobile communication is vital not just for small businesses, residents and tourists but for firefighters and other emergency service personnel.

The Turnbull Government understands the importance of mobile coverage in regional and remote areas of Australia which is why we have allocated $220m for this program.

Despite being in Government for six years, Labor did not spend one dollar on fixing mobile black spots in regional Australia.

I am very proud our government is making such significant progress in fixing mobile black spots across Corangamite.

More information about the Programme and the rollout schedule is available at www.communications.gov.au/mobile_coverage

4 April 2017