Push for better mobile coverage

Round four of the mobile black spot is coming and AgForce want rural Queensland to be top of the list for better coverage.

BLACK SPOT BLUES. Government funds have been set aside to help improve phone reception in regional Australia. Picture: David Barwell

FEDERAL calls for mobile black spot nominations have been met with a rallying cry by AgForce, which said Queensland needs to be the priority state for fixing mobile coverage.

AgForce Telecommunica- tions Committee chairwoman Georgie Somerset said poor mobile coverage is a huge issue for people in rural areas, which wasn't improved in previous rounds of the Federal Mobile Black Spot Program.

"Queensland is the most decentralised state in Australia, and the need for more affordable and reliable phone and internet services is one of the biggest issues for people living, working and travelling in the bush,” she said.

"Phone and internet services are an economic and social lifeline for regional, rural and remote Queenslanders.

"Affordable and reliable services are vitally important for community safety, to support business development, enhance children's education and maintain social connections.

"With nominations now being called for the next round of funding to eliminate mobile phone black spots, we would hope that many areas of Queensland can benefit,” she said.

AgForce will lobby the Federal Minister for Regional Services, Senator Bridget McKenzie, for funding to go to part of Queensland which have missed out in rounds one through three.

"The previous rounds have seen mobile coverage improvements to Quilpie in the South West, with the funding making a big difference to the people who live and work in these communities,” Ms Somerset said.

"We'll be encouraging our members to identify black spots in their areas.”