28 November 2013

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor says poor mobile phone and Internet access in Palerang was a focus of a meeting earlier this week with Mayor Pete Harrison.

“We talked about a number of local issues. It was good to touch base and, as always, the mayor and I have frank discussions on how to resolve problems,” Mr Taylor said.

“I am fully aware of the crippling effect of poor Internet and mobile phone coverage on businesses around Bungendore and Wamboin and Sutton. Business people are ringing me and letting me know. Not to mention the huge inconvenience it causes the rest of the community.

“As a first step to solving this problem, I will be asking the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Communications, Paul Fletcher, to visit Palerang in the new year. I will be showing him first hand the enormity of the issue and where there are opportunities for new infrastructure.

“The Government is committed to expanding the mobile network to the tune of $80 million and has emphasised that small communities, as well as major transport routes and locations prone to natural disasters will be a priority.

“The mayor and I will be working closely to see improved telecommunications services delivered for Palerang.

“We also discussed the retransmitting of the 666 signal for emergency services, a Green Army project in Palerang where funding has been approved and the need for further funding for local roads. I will keep in regular contact with council on these issues in 2014,” Mr Taylor said.