Henderson talks up better mobile coverage at Bells Beach

CORANGAMITE federal member Sarah Henderson has announced there will be better mobile phone reception in Bells Beach following the construction of a new base station there, and wants to hear about mobile black spots across her electorate.

Ms Henderson said the small cell mobile base station at Bells Beach would be the 19th to be funded in Corangamite.

Of these, 10 – Apollo Bay, Cape Otway, Carlisle River, Gellibrand, Kawarren, Barangarook, Yeodone, Steiglitz, Dereel and Hordern Vale – have been completed and are now live.

Ms Henderson said she was also calling for community feedback on the worst black spots in Bellbrae in particular.

“Telstra is currently determining the best location to install a small cell mobile base station and I am interested to hear from local residents who suffer reception issues.

“I understand there are major problems in West Bellbrae but I am also keen for feedback on other mobile black spots in Bellbrae.”

She said the database of reported black spot locations had re-opened for new nominations from state and local governments, and federal members of parliament, but only for four weeks.

“Residents in Corangamite are strongly encouraged to nominate mobile phone black spot locations in their area to help inform the rollout of the next round of the Coalition’s $220 million Mobile Black Spot Program.

“This presents a real opportunity for residents to have their say on problem mobile black spots and encourage mobile operators to invest in our area through the program.

“Residents have already helped identify mobile black spots including in Glenaire, Shelford, Armstrong Creek, Portarlington, Teesdale and Connewarre. I would like to know if there are others.”

Send feedback on mobile black spots to [email protected].

For more information on the Mobile Black Spot Program, head to communications.gov.au/mbsp.