Federal Member for Flynn, Colin Boyce has called on the Federal Government to further extend the Improving Mobile Coverage Round (IMCR).
The IMCR will deliver funding to extend and improve mobile phone coverage and competition in regional and remote Australia, by co-funding new or upgraded telecommunications infrastructure in 54 target location with up to $40 million available.
Mr Boyce said it was concerning that 40 out of the 54 funding allocations have been awarded to Labor-held seats.
“In 2023, communication has never been more important,” Mr Boyce said.
“Mobile phone coverage funding cannot be a form of pork-barrelling. It’s critical as a safety and emergency response, enabling better commerce, business, and social interaction in areas of limited network coverage.
“While I welcome Emerald as a target location under this round, the program needs to further extend to additional locations across the Flynn electorate.”
Mr Boyce has also called on the Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland to honour her election promise to fix all the mobile black spots in regional areas.
“I will be holding Minister Rowland to this promise, and I will continue to advocate for better mobile coverage across the Flynn electorate,” Mr Boyce said.
