Media Release

29 June 2015: In response to the announcement of mobile black spot funding to 18 sites in the Kennedy electorate by the Federal Government, KAP Leader and Federal Member for Kennedy Bob Katter has today heaped praise on the local fighters in Kennedy who advocated for better mobile communications services.

“Thanks to all the people who worked hard to get this coverage. Some of these cases we have been taking to the Government for over 8 years.

“We had very substantial cases and in my view, it would have been difficult for the Government to say no.

Mr Katter has highlighted the importance of mobile communications for safety and commerce reasons.

“My family nearly perished when my father got bogged outside McKinlay and suffered 3rd degree burns on his hands and knees. We thought his number was up.

“To someone in a city mobile coverage seems like a small thing, but when a family member nearly perishes - it shows how valuable these things are.

“Work output has increased by 30% due to mobile phones, whereas before we had dead running time in the car without mobile service.

“We thank the Minister for Communications and the Federal Government. But in particular we thank the people who put their cases forward.

“This will make one hell of a qualitative difference.

“Each blow we strike against the tyranny of distance - is a strike for our freedom,” Mr Katter said.

The mobile black spot sites funded in Kennedy are below. Round one of the program will roll out over a three year period.

Further information can be found at: https://www.communications.gov.au/what-we-do/phone/mobile-services-and-coverage/mobile-black-spot-programme

Sites:

Abergowerie

Hinchinbrook

Barkly Highway, between Mount Isa and Camooweal A

Mount Isa

Barkly Highway, between Mount Isa and Camooweal B

Mount Isa

Barkly Highway, between Mount Isa and Cloncurry

Cloncurry

Butchers Creek

Tablelands

Dalbeg

Burdekin

Flying Fish Point

Cassowary Coast

Forsayth

Etheridge

Goldsborough Valley

Cairns

Greenvale

Charters Towers

Gregory

Burke

Gulf Developmental Road, between Georgetown and Croydon

Etheridge

Julatten

Mareeba

Long Pocket

Hinchinbrook

McKinlay

McKinlay

Torrens Creek

Flinders

Urandangi

Boulia

Watsonville

Mareeba

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