Minister for Government Services, Gabrielle Williams MP, visited Ararat on Tuesday 23 April 2024 to meet with key stakeholders to address mobile connectivity issues in the region.
The Minister joined a roundtable discussion which included Ararat Rural City Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison, Mayor Bob Sanders, local business owners Nancy Panter, Criag Otte, Sue and Col Macaffer, and Andrew Byron, as well as President of the Greater Ararat Business Network Tom Clark and committee.
During the dialogue, members of the business community provided insight into the complex issues concerning inconsistent and insufficient mobile coverage, and how these affect businesses themselves and the broader community, including the impact on modern agricultural practices and economic growth.
The disconnect between increased population and the current profitability model adopted by telecommunication companies was also discussed. Council is committed to working with the Minister and other key stakeholders to resolve longstanding mobile connectivity issues within the region.
“Measures must be put in place to address the partial market failure of connectivity to our region,” said Ararat Rural City CEO, Dr Tim Harrison. “Council will continue to prioritise infrastructure investment and policy reforms that ensure equitable access to reliable mobile networks for all residents, businesses and visitors in the region.”