Riverina MP Michael McCormack calls on residents to report Wagga and the region's mobile blackspots

The federal government has re-opened the Mobile Black Spot Program’s Database of Reported Black Spot Locations for new nominations from state and local governments as well as federal MPs.

Mr McCormack said now is the time for residents to pinpoint locations in their area to help inform the rollout of the fourth round of the Government’s $220 million Mobile Black Spot Program.

Out of the program’s 867 locations across Australia, 20 blackspots have been targeted in the Riverina and Central West.

“Just this week a tower has been activated west of Temora,” Mr McCormack said.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for local communities to have their voices heard on any problematic mobile black spots and to encourage mobile network operators to invest in our region through the Program.”

Nominations will be open until October 11 and residents who want to add a location to the database should call one of Mr McCormack’s offices in Wagga Wagga on 6921 4600 or Parkes on 6862 4560.

The blackspot program will prioritise new towers that will being clear economic and social benefits or are near medical, educational, emergency services facilities or key transport routes.

The federal government’s national map of reported blackspots shows 28 reported locations within 30 kilometres of Wagga, including 13 in residential areas between Estella and Lake Albert.

The nominated blackspots outside Wagga included Collingullie, Brucedale, Bomen, Kapooka, Uranquinty, Ladysmith, and areas around  Rowan,. Gregadoo and Borambola. 

Blackspots at Dirnaseer and Wantabadgery in the Riverina electoratehave been listed on the Department of Communications’ list of 125 ‘priority locations’.

Telstra’s mobile coverage map states that the telecommunications company provides its newer, faster ‘4GX’ mobile internet service across Wagga with a sufficient strength to reach inside buildings.

However, Telstra urged customers in some areas around Collingguille, The Rock and Gregadoo to use an external antenna to access mobile internet.

Optus’ coverage map reported signal issues in similar areas around Wagga.