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LOCALS and tourists, who visit the Daintree, Cape Tribulation, Mount Carbine, Weipa and Wonga Beach, will be delighted to learn that by the end of the year mobile coverage will be available for the first time in these areas.

Warren Entsch, the Federal Member for Leichhardt, announced today that four new mobile phone towers across Far North Queensland will service these areas. This breakthrough is a result of the government’s Mobile Black Spot Program. 

Russell O’Doherty, chair of the Daintree Rainforest Power Committee, said this is an outstanding result and praised Entsch for the work he has done to make this happen.

“This is a significant breakthrough; it’s the only way to describe the development. There are a handful of people who get coverage at Alexander Range, but the majority of residents get no coverage.

“We have Warren to thank for this. He has worked tirelessly with the telecommunications companies (Optus and Telstra) and lobbied government to make this happen and we are extremely grateful for these efforts,” said O’Doherty.

Mayor Julia Leu said this is fantastic news for Douglas Shire.

“The new mobile phone towers are a welcome boost for not only residents, but tourists who come and explore our beautiful shire.

“Connectivity is a vital ingredient for economic prosperity in today’s age. Visitors will also be able to share their unique tourism experiences with the rest of the world,” said Leu.

Entsch said Telstra and Optus would start construction within months with all four new mobile phone towers set to be switched on before the end of the year.

“I will be seeking input from Far North Queensland communities to identify any other areas that need coverage, especially those communities that currently don’t have any,” he said.

Federal Regional Communications Minister Bridget McKenzie said $220 million has been committed to improve mobile black spots across the country.

“$60 million of this funding is targeting priority black spot areas with poor or no mobile coverage, like the four sites in Far North Queensland,” she said.

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