An end in sight for dodgy phone reception

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The long awaited Fullerton Cove mobile phone tower is set to be built by the end of next year, hopefully putting an end to dodgy and unreliable mobile phone coverage in the area.

It's been a long time coming, with the project finally recognised as a priority receiving funding under round three of the Black Spot Program after missing out in the first two rounds.

Paterson MP Meryl Swanson confirmed the funding announcement but construction isn't set to begin until the second half of 2018 - another 12 months away.

"It will happen which is great. We received news that the contracts will be signed within the next month, but construction won't start until the later half of next year so there's still a bit of a wait but at least we know the tower will definitely be built and that's good news," said Meryl Swanson.

She says she's fought for residents this far, she won't be stopping now.

"it isn't great that it's 12 months away but at least we know its coming and I will be making sure it comes and I will definitely be keeping the pressure on as I have been for the last 12 months since I was elected and found out about this."

Where is our phone tower? Labor call out Turnbull government over election promises not kept

BY JARROD MELMETH

Shadow Minister for Regional Communications Stephen Jones and Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson were in Fern Bay today meeting with local residents who are affected by mobile phone black spots in the area.

In the lead up to the Federal election, the Turnbull government promised a mobile phone tower would be built in Fullerton Cove if re-elected.

Stephen Jones has accused the coalition of pork-barrelling after the audit commission found over 80% of the mobile towers in round one of funding went to coalition electorates.

"What we are saying to Malcolm Turnbull, what we are saying to the government is this is your opportunity to make good on the program." Mr. Jones said.

"Here you have a community that is crying out to have their mobile phone black spots fixed, a clear and present need. Lets get it done. Lets follow through on the commitment and lets ensure that these residents get their issues dealt with."

Fullerton Cove has missed out on funding in round 1 and 2 of the Mobile Black Spot Program, with no indication of whether they will receive funding in round 3.

Shadow Minister for Regional Communications Stephen Jones.
Photo courtesy of Facebook.

Mobile Phone Tower For Fullerton Cove Needed Now: Swanson

BY IAN CROUCH

There are fresh calls today for the Federal Government to fix mobile phone black spots around Fullerton Cove and Fern Bay.

A new mobile tower was promised by the Coalition in the lead-up to the July election.

However it appears the area will miss out yet again, with no funding allocated in Round 1 of the Mobile Black Spot Program and no indication it's being considered in Round 2 or Round 3.

Residents have been lobbying for better mobile reception for years, with many having to travel to other areas to make calls. Residents petitioned the government saying the lack of telecommunications infrastructure also poses a risk to the community and visitors in times of emergency.

A report from the Australian National Audit Office tabled in parliament last week found the black spot program didn't deliver value for money to consumers, while a series of "awareness forums" conducted by the Government only benefited Coalition-held seats. The report was also critical of the administration of the Black Spot Program, finding more than 80% of  locations announced for new mobile phone towers were in Liberal or National electorates.

Labor member of Paterson, Meryl Swanson says needs make good on its election promise.

"If it was good enough to promise it leading into the election it is absolutely good enough to deliver it now after the election and they just need to do what they said they're going to do and build the tower," she said.

Meryl Swanson