With just $100 million up for grabs across Australia, Indi MP Cathy McGowan yesterday said a “regional partnership approach” would be imperative to ensure the North East got its share of money.

And that will include getting state and local governments, and the telco to commit funds to improvements too.

Ms McGowan met with representatives from each of Indi’s councils — including Wodonga, Wangaratta, Indigo, Benalla and Alpine councils — and Telstra’s area general manager Steve Tinker yesterday morning to discuss how best to move forward.

Mr Tinker spoke about Telstra’s mobile coverage program and its mapping of blackspots, as well as discussing other issues such as the danger of blackspots during emergencies and which areas are of highest priority.

A working party — including a representative from each council, Telstra and relevant community groups — will now table an initial report to Ms McGowan by Christmas, which she will take to Canberra to argue Indi’s case.

“Just $100 million for all of Australia means there’s not a lot of money to go around, but we think if we get a whole partnership approach, we’ll have a better chance of getting what we need done,” Ms McGowan said.

“This was a really productive meeting, and people are really keen to get under way.”

The federal government has promised $100 million for mobile blackspots improvements right across the country, with an expectation that mobile network providers — and, where applicable, state and local governments — would end up contributing about the same.

About $80 million will go to networks and $20 million for areas with unusual problems, such as high demand during busy seasons.

In both cases, the government has said it will only fund about half the total cost of projects.

Ms McGowan will also speak with the North East’s state MPs about getting on board.

Benambra MP Bill Tilley said he “absolutely” would be willing to lobby for blackspot funding.

“This has been a problem for us for a long time ... when it comes to those issues of common ground that the federal member and I share, I’m absolutely happy to advocate and support our region,” he said.

Wodonga chief executive officer Patience Harrington said the council would consider a proposal for funding through its usual process.

“The approach of having a co-ordinated effort to improving blackspots is welcome,” Ms Harrington said.

“Wodonga does have significant problems in the city, particularly in the Felltimber and West Wodonga areas and we regularly receive feedback from our residents about the difficulties they experience in receiving reliable coverage.”