Regional Communications Minister and National Party deputy leader Fiona Nash took aim at Labor for a “token” $2 million commitment to build just four mobile towers in the marginal electorate of Richmond.

“In six years of government, Labor did not spend a single cent on improving regional and remote mobile phone coverage,” Senator Nash said.

“The Coalition is already delivering 499 new mobile towers to fix over 3000 blackspots, with more to come.

“Labor says it will build just four mobile towers.”

Mobile phone blackspots are one of the biggest issues in the Indi electorate which received  the third highest allocation in the first round of funding from the federal government to eliminate more than 200 North East blackspots.

Indi contenders, independent MP Cathy McGowan and Coalition duo Sophie Mirabella and Marty Corboy, are all lobbying for more towers in future rounds.

When asked to comment on Labor’s commitment, Ms McGowan’s office said: “Ms McGowan is looking forward to round two of the mobile blackspot program being announced in the second half of the year.

“Ms McGowan welcomed the additional $60 million announced last month by the federal government.”

Communications Minister Mitch Fifield recently toured blackspot areas in Indi and said the electorate was in contention for more funding.

“Only the Turnbull Coalition team has committed round two of the program with an additional $60 million in funding, which will provide additional opportunities for more blackspots to be fixed in Indi,” he said.

“Residents of Indi have a right to know if Cathy McGowan would support a Labor-Greens government which could put this investment in blackspot funding at risk.”