ADVOCATES for better mobile phone coverage in Greenbank, New Beith, Flagstone and Undullah have welcomed a commitment from federal Member for Wright Scott Buchholz for two new mobile base stations locally.
Mr Buchholz on Friday announced plans for the new base stations as part of an additional $60 million commitment to extend the Commonwealth’s Mobile Black Spot Program.
Country Safe City Group vice-chairman Ray McCabbin said the commitment brought peace of mind.
“This will not only benefit local citizens but it will also improve communication capabilities for our local emergency services,” he said.
“Reliable telecommunications can be a matter of life and death, so this is extremely important for our emergency services personnel who are crucial to the well-being and safety of people in our community.
“This commitment gives us a great sense of satisfaction.”
Mr Buchholz said the stations would bring great relief for the people of Greenbank, New Beith, Flagstone and Undullah.
“We have selected the Greenbank , New Beith, Flagstone and Undullah areas because they have been overlooked by mobile network operators due to commercial factors,” he said.
David Kenny, Chairman of Logan Country Safe City Group said it was terrific when elected representatives acted on community concerns.
“These towers will be of great benefit to the community at large, but importantly to schools, businesses and emergency services,” he said.
“I would like to thank Scott Buchholz and his federal government colleges for once again not only listening to the concerns of the community but putting those concerns into action.”
Mr Buchholz said the Coalition is committed to improving mobile coverage along major transport routes, in small communities and in locations prone to experiencing natural disasters, as well as addressing unique mobile coverage problems.
Locally based Queensland Senator Joanna Lindgren, a resident of Flagstone, welcomed the announcement.
