THE State Government has been called out in Parliament over the issue of poor digital connectivity for Fish Creek.
Country Fire Authority veteran Ray Poletti, a volunteer with over 55 years’ experience in the Fish Creek Fire Brigade expressed serious concerns about locals not being able to contact him about fire brigade business due to the town’s poor telephone reception.
Writing to Melina Bath MP, Mr Poletti said connectivity issues such as hour-long delays between the sending and delivery of messages and data, and devices unable to connect to a signal strong enough to make calls or receive messages, must be addressed.
“With summer and bushfire season on our doorstep, it’s unacceptable for country towns not to have access to a reliable telecommunications service,” said Melina Bath.
Victorian Minister for Government Services, Gabrielle Williams recently claimed the Allan Labor Government was delivering more than 1200 mobile projects and 150 broadband projects across the state, ensuring Victorians can connect with loved ones, the community and essential services, especially during emergencies.
Given ongoing digital communications problems in parts of South Gippsland Melina Bath called on the State Government to include Fish Creek in the state’s network upgrades.
Fish Creek was stranded without power and the internet when storms lashed the area in September.
The Fish Creek Post Office had no phone, internet or card machine until power was restored late in the afternoon the following day.
Fish Creek Pharmacy and General Store and Fish Creek Hardware were only able to operate business as usual with the use of ADSL on the wired phone network.
“Regional communities should not be left exposed by unaddressed mobile blackspots and poor connectivity,” said Ms Bath.
“Victoria’s emergency management system is reliant on mobile technology.
“If the local CFA cannot send or receive messages in a timely manner how on earth will the Government keep Fish Creek residents safe in the event of an emergency?”
Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien said, “Ray is just one of many people who have raised the poor mobile service in and around Fish Creek with me.
“While telecommunications is the responsibility of the Commonwealth Government, the recent State Government subsidy program has put more emphasis on the city, while country communities like Fish Creek have missed out.”
