Media Release

KENNEDY MP, Bob Katter has welcomed the funding of eight new mobile phone towers in the Kennedy Electorate from the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program.

The new sites included in the round five funding are Cameron Downs, Duchess, Fitzroy Island, Glenmore Station, Gunpowder, Kajabbi, Mungana Mine and Petford.

Mr Katter had held several meetings with Communications Minister Paul Fletcher, his office and Telstra earlier this year demanding greater funding in the region which is often neglected.

Mr Katter said he was very appreciative of the funding and that Kennedy had done well out of the Black Spot Program.

“In a lot of cases good mobile coverage can be a matter of life and death,” he said.

“We’ve had many cases where sadly people have died, and also many cases where they have lived due to the proliferation of towers.

“It brings a mantle of safety to the west, and we deserve to be getting more than our fair share because we have the areas that most lack and most need mobile reception.”

Despite the funding success Mr Katter said he would continue to argue for more towers and better mobile phone coverage in the electorate.

“We thank past and present Ministers for listening to the concerns of our constituents,” he said.

“Other areas that would benefit from new towers include Mary Farms, Upper Stone, Tichum Creek, Mission Beach Range, Bellview Drive Ravenshoe, Tangorin, Fletcher Creek Campsite, Macrossan Park Camping Area, Einasleigh, The Lynd, Dajarra, Cowley Beach, Toomulla, and Murray Upper.”

—ENDS—