Some of the worst black spots in regional South Australia, including in the Hammond Electorate, will be targeted through a $10 million funding fix under a Marshall Liberal Government.

Member for Hammond Adrian Pederick has been fighting for mobile blackspot funding and welcomed the announcement with a number of notorious blackspots in his electorate.

“There are several mobile blackspots in the Hammond electorate, particularly at Chapman Bore, in between Callington and  Kanmantoo, Geranium and Palmer,” said Mr Pederick.

“During this hot summer weather, the community needs reliable mobile phone coverage to reach emergency services if needed and to ensure they can check on the wellbeing of family, friends and neighbours.

“In this day and age, communities rely on having mobile phone coverage to undertake everyday tasks and this access also plays an important role for primary producers who utilise mobile-based technology on their farms, as well as weather updates and services. 

“This announcement shows that I’ve been listening to the community and fighting to ensure the Hammond electorate has adequate and reliable mobile phone coverage. 

“Mobile blackspots in my electorate is an issue that is raised with me on a weekly basis and that’s why we will be investing $10 million to provide mobile phone coverage in black spots across the state, including in the Hammond Electorate.

“There was much community angst when the Weatherill Labor Government failed to contribute to round one of the Federal Government’s mobile blackspot program and just $1.5 million of the $144 million spent by other state governments in the subsequent round.

“This announcement forms part of our one billion dollar Recharging Our Regions package which is a comprehensive plan to grow regional jobs, increase investment in regional infrastructure, drive down the cost of living and improve frontline services.”

A Marshall Liberal Government will work with telecommunications companies on delivering these new mobile phone towers and possible co-funding arrangements.