Black spot funding welcomed

21 Jun 2018 Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Wangaratta VIC (General News) by Shane Douthie LOCAL MPs have welcomed the Federal Governments change of heart to provide $25 million funding for a fourth round of the Mobile Black Spot Program. Cathy McGowan (MHR, Indi) said she looked forward to working with Senator Bridget McKenzie, Minister for Regional Communications, to ensure Indi communities benefit from the $25 million allocation. While rounds one and two of the Mobile Black Spot Program provided solutions to 38 black spot areas in Indi, there are many more locations that needed to be addressed, Ms McGowan said. I am calling on the federal and state governments to work together with local councils and action groups to ensure the areas that need coverage the most are covered through this funding. I encourage people to get in touch with my office or their local council so we can identify the priority areas. Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) said the more funding invested to eliminate mobile black spots the better. Its far better for all levels of government to work together on this issue, Ms Symes said. In many instances in regional Victoria having consistent mobile coverage can be a life and death matter.