The installation of a mobile tower in Scotts Creek and Ecklin South will end a three-year battle to improve phone and internet connectivity in the Corangamite Shire region.
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Expected to be complete in July 2022, the towers - part of the federal government's Regional Connectivity Program - will be a welcome relief to residents who are "sick to death of poor mobile coverage".
Ecklin dairy farmer Simon Craven began campaigning after the devastating St Patrick's Day bushfires created 150 mobile blackspots in south-west Victoria.
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"I've spent three years dealing with Powercor, the Victorian government and the Australian government on phones and power networks," he said.
"The tower will change things for us ... (and) is a good start to a massive problem Australia-wide."
Member for Wannon Dan Tehan said the towers would allow residents to "enjoy the benefits and opportunities that improved digital connectivity brings".
"(It) will help keep our businesses connected, our families stay in touch and mean we can better access telehealth and online services," he said.
Corangamite Shire mayor Ruth Gstrein confirmed the announcement was an "incredible result" that would "make an enormous difference" for both businesses and residents.
"Just imagine how debilitating (bad mobile coverage) can be for your business and also your personal life," she said.
"We've seen kids having to do at-home learning with the lockdowns, and it's been very difficult."
Cr Gstrein said lobbying would now commence for better mobile reception for residents in Noorat.
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Jessica Greenan
Journalist at The Warrnambool Standard covering both Moyne Shire and Corangamite Shire Council. Sometimes court. Special interest in all things environment.
Journalist at The Warrnambool Standard covering both Moyne Shire and Corangamite Shire Council. Sometimes court. Special interest in all things environment.
