Joint Release with Louise Markus MP, Member for Macquarie - $100 million Mobile Coverage Programme

Louise Markus, Federal Member for Macquarie yesterday welcomed Paul Fletcher MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications, to Macquarie, to discuss the Coalition’s $100 million Mobile Coverage Programme with community groups, local councils, emergency service organisations and mobile service providers.

“This visit is an opportunity for all of the Macquarie electorate to have a say about the mobile coverage issues we experience on a daily basis,” Ms Markus said.

The Mobile Coverage Programme is an Abbott government initiative to extend mobile phone coverage and competition in regional Australia.

“I have heard today of the significant impact of mobile black spots in Macquarie, including the lack of connectivity to emergency services in critical situations.

“The Government has committed to invest $100 million to improve mobile phone coverage in outer metropolitan, regional and remote communities. The funding has two elements. The $80 million Mobile Network Expansion Program will improve mobile coverage along major transport routes, in small communities and in areas that are prone to experiencing natural disasters; the $20 million Mobile Black Spot Program will improve mobile coverage in locations with unique coverage problems such as areas with high demand for services during seasonal holiday periods,” Mr Fletcher said.

“Although Macquarie sits on the door step of urban Sydney, there are many parts of the electorate that experience the same challenges as rural and regional Australia. This is not to mention the ongoing challenge of living in a natural disaster prone area and for this reason mobile coverage is a priority. Although the programme will not be able to address all areas of need it is certainly a step in the right direction,” said Mrs Markus.

“Today’s discussions gave me a good sense of the importance of mobile phone coverage to rural communities like those in Macquarie. I encourage everyone to have their say on the Mobile Coverage Programme by responding to the government’s recently issued discussion paper,” Mr Fletcher said.

“The funding for this national program will be allocated via an open and transparent process with the detailed rules to be announced in due course following consultation with stakeholders”.

Submissions can be lodged by email to [email protected].