LIMITED access to mobile service in pockets in southern NSW is putting farmers out of the game.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It makes it tough for them to trade commodities and the lack of service is a safety hazard during bush fire season.
So when the coalition pledged $60 million to address the blackspot funding issue Winchendon Vale landholders were optimistic. Farmers in the area – about 60 kilometres north of Wagga – have been lobbying for a mobile phone tower for about five years. Bob McCormack of “Lenton Park”, Winchendon Vale said it is imperative farmers don’t rely totally on mobile phones.
“There has to be a contingency plan in case of fires or accidents,” he said. Mr McCormack hopes the funding will help to address the issue in his area and other regions which lack coverage too.
“We have to be proactive about this, there are areas in the state that have no mobile service at all,” he said. Mr McCormack said adequate mobile service was a vital business tool too.
“At harvest, not having good service can put us a long way behind the ball game,” he said. National Farmers Federation (NFF) president Brent Finlay has welcomed the funding announcement.
He said reliable mobile service was crucial to business success, education and personal safety in rural and regional areas.
“Mobile access to internet and voice services is a basic expectation of most Australians, including those living in regional areas.”
Mr Finlay said investment must continue to ensure agriculture and regional communities can thrive. “Like any business owner, farmers need to be informed, accessible and responsive to effectively manage their business,” he said.
“As they typically spend the majority of their time in the paddock, the ability to do business over the phone and web while on-the-go saves valuable time and contributes directly to improved production and their bottom line.
“For Australia to continue to be the world leader in agricultural innovation, basic mobile coverage is not a luxury but a necessity.”