INDEPENDENT Member for Shepparton District, Suzanna Sheed says black spot issues at Katandra West must be fixed as a priority.
Ms Sheed said the Katandra West community had been disadvantaged by poor mobile coverage for too long and deserved a better deal.
Ms Sheed met with several residents and the Minister for Innovation and the Digital Economy, Philip Dalidakis, in Shepparton recently to discuss the town’s concerns.
“I have heard time and time again how inadequate the phone service is in that part of the electorate and the Katandra West community have been strong advocates for change so I was very pleased that the Minister accepted my invitation to hear from them first hand,” Ms Sheed said.
“In today’s day and age, access to communications technology should be no less a right than access to essential services such as water, gas and electricity.
“Black spots are not a mere inconvenience. They impact people’s safety in times of emergency, they affect people’s capacity to run businesses, to advance their education or to stay connected with their friends and families.
“All residents in Shepparton district deserve a service they can rely on and I am confident the Minister heard that message loud and clear.
“I understand the government is due to announce a range of locations for new mobile towers in the coming months and I will continue to advocate for Katandra West to have a place on that list at every opportunity.”
