North East mayors will lobby for funding to fix areas of shoddy reception when Victoria’s Innovation and Digital Economy Minister Philip Dalidakis visits the region on Friday to discuss the state’s new blackspots program.
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In January, the Victorian government broke away from the national mobile blackspots funding scheme with Mr Dalidakis accusing the federal government of “a lack of transparency”.
He said Malcolm Turnbull was choosing locations based on political gain, not regional need.
The government announced an $11 million plan to build regional towers across regional Victoria instead of investing the money into the Commonwealth scheme.
At the time Member for Indi Cathy McGowan supported the Victorian government’s revolt while also maintaining the Commonwealth system was successful.
On Friday, Mr Dalidakis will meet with Ms McGowan, Wodonga mayor Anna Speedie, Towong mayor Aaron Scales and Indigo mayor Jenny O’Connor.
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Ms McGowan said through the Indi Telecommunications Action Group, councils ensured the community was heard.
She said it was important that the communities combined so a single voice communicated to state and federal governments.
“I look forward to confirming with the Minister that his proposed investment of $11 million to build new mobile phone towers across regional Victoria will address those areas in urgent need,” Ms McGowan said.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
