By JESSE GRAHAM
NEW MOBILE base stations will be built in the Casey electorate if the Coalition is re-elected in July, according to local MP Tony Smith.
Mr Smith and Senator Fiona Nash announced on Tuesday 24 May that mobile base stations would be built in Reefton, Chum Creek, Kalorama and Mount Evelyn if the Coalition was re-elected at the 2 July Federal poll.
The money would come from the Mobile Black Spot Program, which saw base stations announced for Steels Creek and East Warburton under its first round.
If re-elected, the Coalition has pledged an additional $60 million to extend the program, on top of its already-allocated $160 million, which will fund the towers in Casey.
Mr Smith said the areas had been “overlooked” by telecommunications companies, who would be invited to bid for the funding to provide coverage under the program.
“The Coalition is committed to improving mobile coverage along major transport routes, in small communities, as well as addressing unique mobile coverage problems such as areas with high seasonal demand,” he said.
Ms Nash, the Minister for Regional Communications, said the program would see the “most significant increase in mobile network coverage” in regional and remote Australia.
The Steels Creek tower, based in Dixons Creek, will be switched on in the third quarter of this year, while East Warburton’s tower will be built next year.
More as it comes.
