I was delighted to host the Shadow Minister for Communications, the Hon. David Coleman, in Colac for a community forum on mobile black spots.
We also visited the Redwood Forest in the Otway National Park, a great tourist destination, and discussed the lack of mobile service and the dangers posed by no communication in a bushfire-prone zone.
Watch my video here.
I continue to pursue improving access to communications for the coastal, rural, and regional communities within Wannon as a key priority on behalf of Wannon residents, said Mr Tehan.
The visit by Mr Coleman demonstrates the Coalition's ongoing commitment to fighting for funding allocation to coastal, rural, and regional areas to eliminate mobile phone black spots.
Mr Coleman welcomed the invitation from the Member for Wannon to visit the Colac community to discuss the important issue of mobile black spot funding.
“In the most recent round of funding, Victoria received only three out of the 54 sites picked by the Albanese Government for improved mobile coverage,” Mr Coleman said.
“None of these sites was in the high-fire risk areas around Colac/ Otway area, but all three were in Labor electorates.
“The Minister for Communications literally hand-picked the sites, including 27 in her home state of New South Wales, that also all went to ALP seats.
“That’s why it’s great that Dan organised this event, so the Albanese government hears loud and clear from communities such as those in Wannon who are seeking to improve mobile coverage,” Mr Coleman said.
Mr Tehan said that by hearing directly from impacted communities, we can develop a strong understanding of the needs of our communities, enabling us to develop specific policies that address these needs.
“I am continuing to listen to the community of Wannon,” Mr Tehan said. “The Coalition is striving to ensure that people in the country areas receive services as good as those in the city, and this includes addressing the gap in the quality of telecommunications.”
