Victoria revolts against federal black spots plan

On Wednesday, the state government announced it would be leaving the Commonwealth’s mobile black spots program, claiming tower sites were being chosen based on political benefits, not need.

Victorian Innovation and Digital Economy Minister Philip Dalidakis said the state government  would use the $11 million it planned to invest in the third round of the Commonwealth program to build new mobile towers across regional Victoria.

Mr Dalidakis said the federal government had failed to consult adequately and offered “a complete lack of transparency” about site choices. 

“Malcolm Turnbull continues to choose sites that are in his political interests, not the interests of regional Victoria,” he said.

“We are putting regional Victoria first – helping people stay connected in their homes, at work and when they’re travelling.”

Ms McGowan said the move by Victoria had her “full support”, but she also praised the existing commonwealth scheme.

She cited five soon-to-be opened phone towers in Leneva, Eldorado, Tolmie, Archerton and Ancona as evidence of the federal program’s previous success and said she would continue pushing for the federal government to fund phase four of the Commonwealth program. 

“Mobile black spots remain a key issue for regional Victoria and I support any commitment that addresses this,” she said.

Ms McGowan said she would work with the Victorian government to ensure its $11 million plan, designed to bypass the commonwealth program, would emphasis “a strong partnership between all levels of government”.

“I will be working with local governments in Indi to submit priority sites in the North East to the Victorian program,” she said. 

“I look forward to working with the Victorian government and confirming a process that avoids unnecessary duplication and emphasises a strong partnership between all levels of government and the community.”

Ms McGowan said Indi had secured funding for 38 towers and she would work to see all sites funded.