More mobile coverage for benloch

Residents of Benloch and the surrounding area will soon be better connected following an announcement that Telstra will build a new mobile tower near the town.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, today announced the location of the new mobile phone tower as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s Victorian Mobile Black Spot Project (VMBSP).

Benloch is one of 28 communities that will be safer and better connected through Round 3 of the VMBSP.

The Labor Government is partnering with Optus and Telstra to build new mobile towers across Victoria, with the towers set to cover around 2,000 square kilometres and connect more than 4,000 premises.

The Labor Government has invested $11 million to build the towers, which brings the total amount of state co-funded towers to 229 – representing approximately $190 million of infrastructure investment in regional Victoria.

A further $11 million was announced to fix more mobile blackspots in the Victorian Budget 2018/19 and the government will continue to work with the Regional Partnerships, local governments, mobile carriers, Emergency Management Victoria and the Commonwealth Government to get the best outcome for Victorian communities.

The Government is also developing digital plans for the nine Regional Partnerships using the most comprehensive, up-to-date information on each region’s digital infrastructure and services. This is due to be finalised later this year.

For more information, visit economicdevelopment.vic.gov.au/connecting-victoria

Quote attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
"I’m thrilled that the Andrews Labor Government has funded this tower through our Victorian Mobile Black Spot Project."

"Back in January, I met with Benloch CFA Captain Gary Deer to discuss the importance of accessing mobile coverage during an emergency. This new tower will mean more people will be able to call for help and stay in touch with loved ones."