Patonga to get mobile coverage

Patonga is expected to have mobile phone coverage by the middle of the year.

Telstra has announced it would provide the coverage.

Member for Robertson, Mr Jim Lloyd, said that he was "absolutely delighted" by the news.

"This is the culmination of a campaign, which has gone on for more than nine years," Mr Lloyd said.

"Working with the Patonga community, I have been constantly lobbying Telstra and a number of other mobile phone companies in an effort to secure mobile phone coverage," Mr Lloyd said

This issue was first raised after the village of Patonga was completely isolated in the devastating bushfires of 1994.

"In March 1999, I raised this issue in Federal Parliament and continued to lobby Telstra seeking their support.

"At the same time, I conducted a survey of local residents showing that the local community were overwhelmingly in favour of mobile phone service ," Mr Lloyd said.

The results were: 56 For; one Against; and two Don't care

In April 2000, the tragic death of a young boy in a boating accident again highlighted the urgent need for mobile phone coverage.

Mr Lloyd congratulated the Patonga community for its campaign to secure the service and praised Telstra for listening to the needs of the community.

Press release, January 22