Member for Lowan Emma Kealy has congratulated Halls Gap and Broughton communities on successful campaigns to improve mobile-telephone coverage.

Ms Kealy has for many years supported a community lobby for improved mobile infrastructure to eliminate black spots and improve safety for residents.

She said Telstra’s announcement that it would improve mobile coverage in the towns was testament to the communities tireless advocacy.

“Better mobile telephone coverage for regional communities is vital to ensure the safety of these communities and to support local investment, create local jobs and build stronger regional communities,” she said.

“We know of emergency situations where people have been unable to call for an ambulance east of Halls Gap at the Halls Gap Hotel because they don’t have phone signal. In one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state, that is simply not good enough.”

State and federal governments will co-fund the upgrade works in partnership with Telstra and NBN Co.

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