MBSP

State or Territory: SA

Community Location: Field, Colebatch and Meningie East

Description of community needs:

Mobile connectivity is important for all South Australians, particularly those in our regions.

Following a call from a resident raising concerns about mobile coverage, my office contacted residents of this area about their experiences.

My office was overwhelmed by responses regarding poor coverage and patchy coverage, as well as expressing concerns using the network in the event of a natural disaster, including receiving timely information and seeking help for themselves and others.

Improved coverage in this area will ensure residents and visitors have access to adequate services, particularly with emergency services during times of need.

State or Territory: NSW

Community Location: Worrigee

Description of community needs:

I have been advised by a Hospitality Business Owner in Kioloa (2539), it can be very frustrating for their customers wishing to use their mobile to access internet banking to pay for essentials. With poor reception, they are often left unable to transfer funds, and will need to drive to find cash out at their inconvenience and missed sales for us. Over the summer holidays, a gentleman with 4 children broke down and spent an hour with poor coverage trying to connect for help.

Also been advised from a community member in Bawley Point (2539), it can be frustrating when coverage drops in and out making calls etc.

State or Territory: VIC

Community Location: Arthurs Creek, Smith's Gully, Cottles Bridge, Bend of Islands, Christmas Hills and Kangaroo Ground

Description of community needs:

Nilumbik Shire has at least 15 mobile black spots, affecting areas such as Arthurs Creek, Smith's Gully, Cottles Bridge, Bend of Islands, Christmas Hills and Kangaroo Ground. These towns are situated on undulating hills, making coverage even more challenging. Given the area's high bushfire risk, the lack of reliable mobile coverage threatens lives and hinders emergency response efforts. The 2009 Black Saturday fires highlighted the critical need for improved telecommunications infrastructure to ensure safety, particularly in times of natural disasters. Urgent action is required to address these coverage gaps.

State or Territory: NSW

Community Location: Widden Valley Road around the intersection with Bylong Valley Road south through Widden Valley

Description of community needs:

Better mobile coverage is urgently needed around the intersection of Bylong Valley Way and south along the Widden Valley Road extending south to the Wollemi National Park. Bylong Valley Way is firstly a key gateway between the Central West and Upper Hunter, serving residents, emergency services, council outdoor staff, other workers visiting the area, and travellers. The Widden Valley is characterised by well-known horse studs and cattle grazing properties which involves the movement of vehicles moving livestock and farm supplies such as hay and fodder.

State or Territory: NSW

Community Location: Tomakin

Description of community needs:

Worst coverage is experienced at George Bass Drive between Barlings Beach and Rosedale; Dunns Creek Road, Woodlands; The Kings Highway between Nelligen and the top of the Clyde Mountain.

It’s very dangerous to have no coverage on the Kings Highway travelling up / down the Clyde Mountain for such an extended distance. 

State or Territory: NSW

Community Location: Worrigee

Description of community needs:

Constituent lives in Culburra Beach and advises mobile phone provider is Optus. Unable to get coverage on Culburra Road when in the car.

State or Territory: NSW

Community Location: Sassafras

Description of community needs:

There’s no coverage inside buildings and it is patchy everywhere.  

It was better before they switched to 5G - wasn’t much better but it is now worse.  

State or Territory: VIC

Community Location: Skipton

Description of community needs:

Mobile phone black spots is a significant issue and urgent priority affecting emergency management, tourism, agricultural innovation and overall liveability.

Major flood and fire events, such as the Skipton floods of 2011, 2017, and 2022, and the St Patrick’s Day fires of 2018, have severely impacted communication during emergency situations.

Improved mobile service would enable access to smart technologies for the agricultural industry, high-grade connectivity for businesses, and more digital services for residents and visitors, along with enhanced digital literacy.

State or Territory: VIC

Community Location: Melton, Melton South, Beremboke, Ballan, Coimadai, Myrniong, Rowsley, Strathtulloh, Cobblebank, Toolern Vale

Description of community needs:

Reliable mobile coverage in the Hawke electorate is essential for residents, businesses, and emergency services. Constituents in Beremboke, Ballan, Coimadai, Myrniong, Rowsley, Strathtulloh, Cobblebank, Toolern Vale, and Melton report ongoing issues with poor reception, especially in regional areas where making calls or sending messages is difficult.

Melton has a significant number of black spots, particularly in High Street and Bakery Square, with Optus, Vodafone, and Telstra all providing patchy service. Cobblebank, Melton South and Strathtulloh face similar issues.

I’m seeking urgent upgrades to ensure reliable connectivity.

State or Territory: NSW

Community Location: Martindale area

Description of community needs:

Martindale borders the Wollemi National Park and has a Public Primary School, Rural Fire Service Shed and a Church/Community Hall.

Martindale has an increasing population associated with small holders seeking a rural lifestyle. It is also characterised by larger farms which involves vehicles moving livestock and farm supplies such as hay and fodder.

The poor reception in these areas creates safety risks and disrupts communication. This nomination is supported by feedback from local residents and Council’s Operational Teams.