By Danielle Kutchel
There’s no relief in sight yet for residents in and around Bunyip State Park who are desperately calling on telcos to rectify their mobile blackspot.
In November 2019, the Gazette reported that residents affected by the March 2019 bushfires were calling for the government and telecommunication providers to fix the lack of reception in the area.
The lack of reception was keenly felt during the bushfire disaster last March, and residents say it could also impact horse and bike riders who visit the area for recreation.
More than a year after the disaster, it seems little progress has been made.
In January, the Australian Communications and Media Authority announced a review of the impact of the 2019-20 summer bushfires on the phone networks.
But it seems the review is limited to looking at existing infrastructure, rather than the need for new mobile towers.
Addressing a Mobile Black Spot under the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program is an involved process.
Telcos like Telstra, Optus and Vodafone submit applications for funding to address specific locations, outlining in their application how much funding is needed and how much will be contributed by the telco, state and local governments and local communities, if any.
The Gazette understands that thanks to advocacy work by Monash MP Russell Broadbent, the region is now close to the top of the funding queue.
Mr Broadbent’s office was contacted for comment.
The Gazette contacted the three major telcos – Vodafone, Optus and Telstra – to determine whether the Bunyip area was on their list.
An Optus spokesperson said: “There are no current plans for dedicated coverage within the Bunyip State Park, however we will keep on notice for future Black Spot Round considerations.”
A Vodafone spokesperson said the company was “currently reviewing our network resilience measures to determine how these can be improved in bushfire prone areas and will implement actions as soon as possible.”
A Telstra spokesperson was unable to provide any updates.
Cardinia Shire Council’s manager community strengthening, Stephen Sparrow, said that mayor Jeff Springfield had written to Paul Fletcher MP, Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts, in February, “seeking funding to remove the mobile blackspot”.
“No response has been received as yet,” Mr Sparrow said.
“Council and the Community Recovery Committee are continuing to advocate for improved mobile reception for the bushfire affected community.
“It is imperative that communities are enabled to remain connected through disaster recovery and having improved mobile and internet connections is vital to this objective,” he said.
