Death and drugs renews call for mobile coverage
The recent tragic death of a young boy in a boating accident and a cocaine haul in a separate incident at Patonga have prompted renewed calls for the urgent need for mobile phone coverage in the area from Member for Robertson, Mr Jim Lloyd.
"The Patonga community has been campaigning, without success, for the provision of mobile phone reception since the township was completely isolated by the 1994 bushfires," he said.
"This terrible tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of having immediate access to communications facilities, such as mobile phone reception, in the event of an emergency.
"As their Federal Member, I raised these concerns in Parliament in March 1999.
"I also made direct representations to both Telstra and Vodaphone seeking their assistance." Mr Lloyd also pointed to the "farce", according to local residents, created by the $100 million worth of cocaine being seized recently at Patonga, which resulted in Federal Police and media attempting to use the local shop and residents' telephones.
Mr Lloyd said a survey to the households of Patonga on the issue showed an overwhelming response in favour of coverage.
"I will continue to pursue the matter," said Mr Lloyd.
Jim Lloyd