Mobile Phone Coverage boosted in Beachmere.

Mobile coverage boosted in Beachmere

People living and travelling through Beachmere will now have better phone service to make calls, browse the internet and stay connected with family and friends. The new small cell mobile base station in Beachmere is on and will significantly improve phone service in the area. Minister for Communications, Cyber Safety and the Arts the Hon Paul Fletcher MP said the new small cell base station, funded under the Mobile Black Spot Program, reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to further improving connectivity in the regions. “This significant investment, part of the Mobile Black Spot Program, means that people living, working and travelling in Longman will now have better mobile coverage,” Mr Fletcher said. “The first five rounds of the Mobile Black Spot Program are funding 1,229 mobile base stations around Australia, with more than 860 of these already on air and providing much needed mobile connectivity to rural and regional areas.” Minister for Regional Communications, Regional Health and Local Government Mark Coulton said the Coalition Government is committed to improving connectivity for people living in regional and rural areas. “This Government knows how frustrating it is to be talking on the phone or browsing the internet and then lose service, so we’re getting on with the job of building more phone towers to deliver better service,” Mr Coulton said. “Not only will these towers make it easier for people to stay connected to family and friends, it will also make it easier to do business and access education.” Member for Longman Terry Young said he was pleased that local residents and businesses would now have better service in the Beachmere area. “Residents have raised the issue of poor service in Beachmere and I’m pleased to be part of a Government that is listening and delivering,” Mr Young said. “Our continued investment in mobile phone base stations is further proof of the Coalition’s commitment to connecting Australians, wherever they are, particularly in regional towns like Beachmere.” Member for Longman Terry Young also said: “The poor phone service in the area, particularly in the Beachmere Sands community, meant residents were feeling isolated because they could not contact friends and family. “Some were relying on a mobile signal for pacemakers which were always being interrupted and posed a serious health risk. “I have been fighting to resolve this situation and am delighted that Telstra has now upgraded the Beachmere mobile tower. “This will ensure people in the area can stay in touch with their loved ones and access important information and services over the phone.”

More information about the program is available at www. communications.gov.au/mbsp

LNP Promises an additional $20 million for Bribie Island Road if Elected

A major upgrade to Bribie Island Road and design work for a new Bribie bridge have been pledged by the Liberal National Party if elected to government at next month’s elections. The upgrade would target key areas of concern, including major bottlenecks making the road much safer for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. The work will include traffic modelling and a community consultation process to start within the first 100 days of an LNP state government. LNP leader Deb Frecklington and Pumicestone candidate, Fiona Gaske inspected notorious trouble spots including intersections, and later announced urgent funding for the Bribie Island Road of up to $20million would be a priority should the LNP win government. The upgrade would create around 60 construction jobs with priority given to local contractors. Ms Frecklington said the promised funding injection would complement the Federal coalition government’s $20million commitment to upgrade the Old Toorbul Point Road intersection –a combined investment of $40million by the LNP on improving the Bribie Island Road. In another major announcement, local LNP candidate, Fiona Gaske revealed the works package would include concept planning and detailed design work for a new bridge for Bribie. “It’s not good enough for the state labor government to simply put things on hold till the current bridge’s useful life is scheduled to end in 2031” Fiona Gaske said. “We need to get on with planning now. Decisions need to be taken to how best to progress a new bridge . Above all, we need to involve the community to learn what they consider will serve them best. “There’s no reason why design plans and various options can’t be prepared, allowing adequate time for feed-back and proper consultation. “The existing two lane bridge was built 57 years ago and is no longer adequate for our needs. “A staggering 30,000 vehicles a day on average are using this two-laned bridge – many more during peak holiday periods. This is 50% more than ten years ago.” Fiona Gaske said a new or expanded bridge with adequate lanes and pedestrian and bikeway access was an essential part of any plan. “What we don’t want is our Bribie bridge becoming a political football with political parties and others making unachievable promises. “If elected to government, the LNP will allocate $3million to allow careful and sensible design work to be commenced which will pave the way for a range of expert and community input prior to any final construction design. “At present, just one incident or traffic accident on the bridge can result in massive congestion and delays on and off the island. Any new design for the bridge must allow for a much improved traffic flow, easier access for emergency vehicles, and must also provide for disaster management plans for the island in the event of any natural disasters requiring evacuations. “Even at this early stage, I would welcome your input on how best to implement this vital piece of infrastructure that will impact on us all.

Fiona Gaske, LNP candidate for Pumicestone pumicestone@lnpq.org.au 0499 444 921

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