By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
CORANGAMITE MP Sarah Henderson has clashed with City of Greater Geelong over money to fix mobile phone black spots.
Ms Henderson said council should make a financial or in-kind contribution to supplement a $100 million federal fund for improving mobile phone coverage.
But the City hit back, saying telecommunications was a Commonwealth responsibility.
Ms Henderson told parliament this week she “would like to see more action from the City of Greater Geelong”.
“Our region has some significant mobile phone black spots and we must all work together to maximise our chances of receiving our fair share of funding.”
Ms Henderson said the $100 million federal package needed to “leverage an additional $100 million in investment from bidders and other parties including state and local government.
“The reality is that federal money alone will only go so far.
“With so many black spots across the greater Geelong region, including in places like Armstrong Creek and Ocean Grove, it’s vital that we give ourselves every chance of securing maximum funding under the important program.”
Ms Henderson said 17 Victorian councils, including neighbouring Golden Plains, had offered a contribution of land at zero or concessional cost.
“At the very least, the City of Greater Geelong should consider this type of contribution.
“Even in places like Armstrong Creek, a great developing part of the greater Geelong region, so many people cannot get mobile phone coverage.”
A City spokesperson said telecommunications was not a local government responsibility.
“Council has undertaken significant community master planning within the Armstrong Creek Growth Area to ensure that infrastructure provision can be provided in an orderly way (that) maintains pace with demand growth.
“This has involved discussions with Telstra and Optus on a range of potential telecommunications upgrades.
“Council will continue to work with potential providers to examine opportunities for new infrastructure including co-location such as at Mt Duneed.”
