COMMITMENT TO IMPROVE MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE AT BOOUBYJAN

A future LNP Government will commit funding to extend mobile communication coverage at Booubyjan to improve convenience for residents and motorists and ensure they are able to contact emergency services when help is needed.

Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien has secured a $1.5 million commitment from an elected LNP Government that will help to address the serious safety concerns caused by the telecommunications black spot at Booubyjan.

“There is no reliable mobile communications coverage around Booubyjan and it’s been a source of great frustration for the community,” Mr O’Brien said.

“This has also been identified as a potentially dangerous situation. This section of the Burnett Highway is an accident and fatigue zone and is prone to flooding, and motorists have been unable to call for emergency assistance due to the black spot.

“Extending mobile communications to Booubyjan is important for local residents so they can stay in touch with family and friends, and it will improve safety, decreasing response times by emergency services, and potentially saving lives.

“I worked with the former Coalition Government to extend mobile communications to 19 black spot areas in Wide Bay, but over the last three years the Albanese Labor Government has failed to fix any black spots in our electorate.

“An LNP Government will work with the telcos and with the Booubyjan community to deliver mobile communication coverage that will enhance safety, improve emergency services response capability, and potentially save lives in the Booubyjan area,” Mr O’Brien said.

Shadow Minister for Communications, Melissa McIntosh MP said the announcement will address connectivity issues for the Booubyjan community who have been calling for better mobile coverage.

“Digital connectivity is now an essential part of how we work, learn, stay safe and remain in contact with family and friends,” said Mrs McIntosh.
“The Coalition will continue to invest in telecommunications infrastructure as part of our plan to strengthen local communities and to get Australia back on track.”

“Unfortunately, the Albanese Government has no interest in improving telecommunications in regional, rural and remote Australia demonstrated by their sparse funding commitments and botched closure of the 3G network,” Mrs McIntosh said.