Creightons Creek is one of 13 Victorian communities set for a new mobile phone tower after years of lobbying by the local community and Member for Euroa Steph Ryan.The community was included under round five of the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program.Ms Ryan said she realised during the 2014 bushfires there was an issue with mobile phone reception at Creightons Creek.“Communications at the hall and the CFA station, which was the changeover area for our local brigades, was hampered by black spots after the landline was burnt out,” Ms Ryan said.
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“Volunteers finishing weren’t able to call home to check on their families or let them know they were okay.“Poor coverage has also made life tough for businesses like Lindsay Park (racing stables), as well as local farmers and people who are trying to work or run businesses from home.“I have been working with Telstra and the local community to try to get the program funded under the Mobile Black Spot Program for a number of years.“Its inclusion under the program is a huge win for the community and I’m particularly grateful to Telstra’s regional manager Steve Tinker who came to a community meeting back in 2017 to hear locals’ concerns.”The 12 other Victorian communities receiving the new mobile phone towers are Hordern Vale, Mount Bruno, Nelson, Tutye, Aberfeldy, Douglas Mine, Furnell, Kennedys Creek, Taggerty, Cudgewa, Harrietville and Douglas. Ms Ryan said she was aware there were many other communities across the electorate such as Redesdale, Toolleen, Goorambat and Marraweeney which were frustrated by a persistent lack of mobile and internet coverage.“This outcome shows we can get results when we work together and we continue to beat the drum,” she said.