The Rural Fire Service brigade services a remote, but fire prone area between Holbrook and Jingellic with next to no mobile phone coverage presently.

The state government announced $50 million was on offer in early October last year, but applications haven’t been opened to date.

“It impacts on all the rural fire brigades because they are generally in spots where there is poor reception,” Lankeys Creek senior deputy captain Steve Thompson said.

“We were lucky enough to get grant which enabled us to put in a Telstra mobile phone booster which gives us reasonable coverage around the shed.

“But when there is a fire that signal pretty much drops out because the signal strength from the tower at Jingellic is really poor.

“Mobile phones are a critical tool for rural fire services so hopefully some of the funding can come our way.

“When there is a fire the quicker you can get a crew together the quicker you can get a fire out.

“There has been instances where that has been really difficult due to having no mobile phone coverage.”

The funding was announced by deputy premier John Barilaro in the lead-up to the Cootamundra and Murray by-elections last year.

The Border Mail has been unable to obtain comment from Mr Barilaro’s office on the status of the funding.

But it’s understood the policy is still being developed.

Member for Albury Greg Aplin was also approached for comment.

Lankeys Creek is a notorious mobile phone blackspot in the Greater Hume Shire which will be eligible to apply for the funding.

Jingellic Road is also carrying more traffic including large trucks following a recent upgrade in the Yarara Gap area.

“I honestly don’t why we have to pay for a service we don’t get presently,” Mr Thompson said.

“In areas where you don’t get service a portion of your monthly fee should not have to be paid to your telco.

“You are paying for a service, but you aren’t getting it in areas like ours.”

Farrer MP Sussan Ley said all levels of government were under pressure to fix remaining communication gaps in their areas. 

“I’ve encouraged many constituents who have contacted my office to also approach NSW as a possible partner in fixing a specific black spot,” she said.

“Both NSW and Victoria have committed new funding and I really want to see that money target sites where the telcos need an incentive to expand their coverage.”