A federal government review has heard that poor telecommunications in regional communities can jeopardise lives and impact on people’s livelihoods.
Federal Member for Indi, Helen Haines, hosted the Regional Telecommunications Review in Benalla last Friday which was attended by more than 50 people, many of whom spoke about the challenges they face.
The review is held every three years to investigate equitable access to telecommunications services across regional, rural and remote Australia.
“This was an opportunity for people across Indi to tell the federal government directly about the challenges they face because of poor phone and internet services – and they face real challenges,” Dr Haines said.
Many locals said they were fed up with having to head outside to answer the phone because of poor reception, even though they live in the middle of a major regional town.
A farmer from Tarrawingee expressed frustration that he can’t make the most of the latest agricultural technologies to monitor his crops and livestock because of poor and unreliable internet.
A couple from Earlston detailed how inconsistent phone coverage is impacting the ability of the local community, including the CFA, to communicate during emergencies.
Dr Haines said that these stories and many others show that good regional telecommunications are essential for our safety and our livelihoods.
“Poor telecommunications are a barrier to prosperity and create significant challenges for our communities in times of emergency,” Dr Haines said.
“The federal government has a responsibility to ensure regional communities have access to stable, affordable, high-speed telecommunications.
“One message I heard loud and clear was the need for more generators and batteries to provide backup to mobile phone towers when the power goes out.”
The review committee will present its final report to the Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, later this year.
Submissions for the final report are due by 31 July and more information can be found at www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/2024-regional-telecommunications-review.
This article appeared in the Corryong Courier, 9 May 2024.
