THE Federal Government on Friday steered clear of a commitment to invest in Loddon infrastructure before the predicted surge in visitors if notorious mobile blackspot areas are part of World Heritage listing.
Environment and Water Minister Tanya Pliberseck ducked a question during a media conference at Bendigo’s Central Deborah Mine about poor mobile connectivity in the Newbridge, Moliagul and Tarnagulla districts.
She said Communications Minister Michelle Rowland had been working across Australia to improve mobile connectivity.
Bendigo MP Lisa Chesters said the current round of blackspot funding was open and local MPs could suggest “at risk areas” where communities had raised concerns.
Parts of the proposed World Heritage great nuggets landscape are in bushfire and flood risk areas of the Loddon Shire where residents have been vocal with connectivity concerns of the last year.
Ms Chesters said that before Tarnagulla and Newbridge were shifted from her seat to the Mallee electorate, she had unsuccessfully put forward mobile blackspot projects for the towns.
“All of us who traevel out to those areas (know) it is patchy,” she said, encouraging Mallee MP Anne Webster to submit projects.
All news
Plibersek ducks connectivity boost before tourist spike
Feb 08 2025
1 min read
Subscribe to Loddon Herald to read the full story.