With $55 million of Federal funding up for grabs by regional communities, community members are being called upon to help compile a list of the worst.

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Residents are invited to a workshop at 5.30pm on 18 February at the Macksville Ex-Services Club, where blackspots will be identified and shared with representatives from Telstra, Optus and NBN.

Mayor Lee hopes the region will benefit from funding under the Mobile Black Spot Program, which invests in telecommunication coverage and competition across Australia.

The scheme requires providers of telecommunications infrastructure to consult with state and local governments as well as community members, before applying for funding of specific projects by 30 April 2025.

“The Government is providing up to $55 million (GST exclusive) for Round 8, which will co-fund projects to provide new resilient mobile coverage in regional and remote areas of Australia that are prone to natural disasters, including bushfires, cyclones and floods,” according to the website of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.

It is an opportunity Mayor Lee does not want to miss.

“There are so many places where we lose coverage here in the Valley and this is a great opportunity to pass that on so that we can be in line to receive new infrastructure,” he said.

“You know that spot between Valla Beach and Nambucca Heads?

“Also, I heard there is one near the two water towers in Nambucca Heads and then there is even one at Nambucca Plaza – now is our chance to let these stakeholders know so that we can have a chance of getting them fixed.

“All members of the community are encouraged to contribute so that we have a full list of the areas without communication in the event of a disaster affecting the Nambucca Valley,” he said.

The Mayor warned that the session was not for “airing gripes” however.

“We are there to compile a list of the worst blackspots for telecommunications engineers to consider when deciding where the money will be best spent.”

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan thanked Mayor Lee and his team for their work on the issue, and promised to put the needs of the region in the Canberra spotlight.

“I hold high hopes that our region will finally be acknowledged for this crucial funding and will personally be advocating for the Nambucca Valley with the relevant Ministers and department representatives,” he told NOTA in a statement.

By Ned COWIE