POOR mobile phone coverage was identified as a major issue at a recent community meeting held in the wake of the devastating Keilira bushfire, Kingston District Council chief executive Nat Treager says.
More than 120 people filled the council chamber on Wednesday night to discuss the fires and the recovery process with key stakeholders including the Country Fire Serivce (CFS), Primary Industries and Regions SA and mental health representatives.
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone was joined by Barker MP Tony Pasin and Member for MacKillop Nick McBride, who attended the meeting after visiting fire-affected properties.
Kingston District Council chief executive Nat Traeger said mobile blackspots, as well as failures in landline phone and UHF radio access, were of major concern to the community.
She said a number of landline phones had been knocked out as a result of the fire and users of UHF radio were faced with “dodgy” connectivity during the blaze.
“Without question, communication is the biggest issue,” she said.
“Council is without a doubt committed to securing black spot funding for Keilira.
“It is a priority and it has been well before the bushfire.”
“Telecommunications is not a core responsibility – it is the State and Federal Government’s responsibility, but we are very committed and will continue to lobby.”
Ms Traeger said some residents still had no landline connection as a result of the December 30 fire.
Mr Pasin said following the meeting, he had spoken to the Prime Minister’s Office, the ministers responsible for communications – Minister
Coulton and Minister Fletcher – and Telstra to ensure the community’s sentiments are understood.
He said he had been working with Telstra to ensure landlines are restored as quickly as possible and ensure satellite phones are offered as an interim solution.
“The community meeting reiterated the need for improved telecommunications at Keilira, and, along with the State Minister Tim Whetstone and Nick McBride, we have heard very clearly the need for a mobile phone tower,” he said.
“While there are thousands of mobile blackspots identified around the country, many of which are in high fire risk areas, I will always advocate strongly and at the highest level for communities in Barker.
“I have also been fighting over a considerable period of time for continued Federal and State Government funding to continue to address the lack of mobile phone coverage across rural and regional areas. It will continue to be one of my highest priorities.”
Mr McBride said the meeting demonstrated the community’s “concern and angst” in relation to mobile phone black spots and a solution was immediately needed.
“I will continue to work on securing a mobile phone tower for Keilira with Tony Pasin and Tim Whetstone,” he said.
“Keilira is a massive black spot and it has been burned out three or four times in the last 15 years and it is important the community to have mobile service.”
