Andrews calls for better coverage

Member for Peats Ms Marie Andrews recently met with residents of Patonga to support their campaign for improved TV and mobile phone reception in the area.

Ms Andrews said the Federal Government promised the residents of Patonga they would have TV reception and mobile phone coverage in their area once an antenna tower was built in the village.

A local resident and treasurer of the Patonga Progress Association, Ms Joyce Chambers, said the tower was ineffective and that for one and a half years the community has had continual problems with their TV and mobile signals.

"This area has high risk of bushfires and we still do not have consistent mobile phone coverage," Ms Chambers said.

"We have many older residents in the village, many of whom are housebound and rely on their TV for information and entertainment.

"We have been campaigning, for the provision reliable mobile phone and TV reception since the town was completely isolated by the 1994 bushfires."

Ms Andrews said a fatal boating accident near Patonga in 2000 renewed calls for the urgent need for better coverage in the area.

"The Federal Government did grant funding for an antenna tower to be installed but it does not reliably pick up any TV network besides Channel 7, which has no sound," Ms Andrews said.

"In the event of an emergency, it is absolutely critical that this community have immediate access to all lines of communication.

"But they are also entitled to watch the cricket and tennis and nightly news like everyone else."

Many residents said they had spent a considerable amount of money employing electricians and TV technicians to investigate what was wrong and others had paid for special antennas in the hope of improving their reception, Ms Andrews said.

Ms Andrews is calling on Member for Robertson Mr Jim Lloyd to assist the residents in having the matter resolved immediately.

Press release, 9 Feb 2007 Marie Andrews, Member for Peats