Five of the region’s bush fire prone areas are in line to receive better mobile communication infrastructure.
Wedderburn, Kentlyn (pictured above), Gilead, Rossmore and Leppington have been added to the national register for the next round of funding.
The Federal Member for Macarthur, Dr Mike Freelander, who is behind the push for improved mobile communications, also recommended Minto Heights for inclusion after consulting with the community.
“The current state of mobile phone coverage in Macarthur is unacceptable, especially given the risk of bushfire in vulnerable areas,” Dr Freelander said.
“More must be done for those in our community who are vulnerable to natural disaster and isolation.”
The listings, made by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, are contained in a central register of locations that have concerns regarding non-existent mobile coverage.
The register serves as a guide for the government in making future mobile infrastructure commitments and is also available to telecommunications companies when applying for federal funding for capital works.
“The onus is now on the government and telecommunications companies to come to the table and commit to supporting our region,” Fr Freelander said.
“I want to thank the hundreds of Macarthur locals who responded and helped me to identify the areas which require urgent investment in communications infrastructure.
“I am thrilled to have the support of the Rural Fire Service and local councils on this matter, recognising the urgent need for telecommunications infrastructure as a safety issue for Macarthur residents.”
Dr Freelander is now calling on the Federal Government to commit to working with the local Macarthur community, including residents, councils and the RFS to map out the infrastructure that our area “desperately needs.’’
