Joint Media Release with Brett Whiteley - Member for Braddon: Mobile phone coverage focus of Fletcher’s visit

Federal Member for Braddon Brett Whiteley today welcomed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications Paul Fletcher MP to the North-West to visit well-known mobile phone black spots Sisters Beach and Gunns Plains.

Mr Whiteley said Mr Fletcher is responsible for administering the Abbott Government's $100 million mobile coverage programme.

Mr Fletcher said he appreciated the opportunity to join with the Member for Braddon and to hear from his constituents about mobile phone coverage, and about the policy priorities from their perspective.

"These discussions will help inform important decisions the Government will be taking as we move forward with the mobile coverage programme," Mr Fletcher said.

During his visit to Sisters Beach Mr Fletcher met with the Sisters Beach Progress Association, Wynyard-Waratah Council and representatives from the Sisters Beach Rural Fire Brigade.

"The overwhelming message from residents at Sisters Beach is that mobile phone coverage is a matter of safety, not convenience," said Mr Whiteley. "This was highlighted in the recent bush fire threats and other emergency situations including a car accident and a house fire."

"Sisters Beach is in a unique location. It's in a national park surrounded by bush and has only one way in and one way out.

"With a permanent population of about 400, and many thousands of people visiting the area throughout the summer months Sisters Beach has a strong case to be considered for funding," Mr Whiteley said.

At Gunns Plains Mr Fletcher met with the Gunns Plains Community Association and the Central Coast Council to discuss the mobile phone needs of residents and visitors in the region.

"Gunns Plains has a significant farming community which means residents are rarely by the home phone throughout the day," Mr Whiteley said.

"While safety is always a concern, the lack of mobile phone coverage also makes it hard to do business on the farm.

"Wings Wildlife Park and the Gunns Plains Caves are major tourist drawcards and it's unacceptable for a region trying to attract more visitors to be lacking mobile phone coverage," Mr Whiteley said.