Surf Coast Shire Council is seeking support for better mobile network coverage and investment in active transport projects.
Council will table a motion at the upcoming Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) national assembly following concerns that unreliable networks could impact public safety during peak visitor periods.
Deputy mayor Tony Phelps said a Bill that the federal government was considering ensuring a minimum standard of mobile coverage did not account for the impact of peak demand in popular tourist locations.
“Without functioning networks in an emergency situation, the results are potentially disastrous and, in many places along our coast, mobile coverage consistently fails as large numbers of visitors arrive,” he said.
“We are one of the most bushfire-prone areas in the state, and we need federal legislation that requires network carriers to provide enough coverage to meet peak demand, rather than just a bare minimum.”
Council will also table a motion calling on the federal government to increase funding for projects that support active travel, like cycling and walking.
“More funding for active travel projects would help create safer connections for people to ride or walk, reducing congestion on the roads and contributing to a healthier community,” Mr Phelps said.
A total of $100 million to has been allocated to the federal government’s National Active Transport Fund over five years between 2024-25 and 2028-29, with council’s motion asking government to commit to the fund beyond 2029.
The ALGA national assembly will be held in Canberra between 23 and 25 June.
