Mobile reception “not coping”

In addition to those mentioned at council’s latest monthly meeting on February 15, reception at Savernake, although better since 2018, the local residents are seeking much needed further improvement.

“It’s better than it was but with more people going on-line and with the internet we are wanting better coverage,” resident Ann Sloane told the Yarrawonga Chronicle.

“The system is not coping. There is room for improvement – there’s no doubt about it.”

In 2018 a mobile phone tower was installed at Savernake as part of the Federal Government’s Black Spot program and because the village is on a state highway, priority for the tower was given.

Vodafone received the contract, and Telstra and Optus co-located on the tower.

Ann does wonder if the capacities of the towers and transmitters are compromised due to heavier volume and demands on the system.

“There are certainly many local residents who are most dissatisfied with the current level of service,” she said.

“Some are having to expend substantial money on alternative forms of electronic communications, which is a drain on farm budgets and shouldn’t be necessary.”

Ann said she will contact Susan Ley (Federal MP) “who was a great help in setting up the tower”.

“With large crowds at such things as football and netball finals at Rennie, we need good mobile coverage.”

Reception is unsatisfactory at the Max Kirwan Ski Park eight kilometres from Mulwala. “It’s very difficult to get reception,” Mulwala Water Ski Club CEO Peter Duncan said of the venue which attracts state, national and world skiing championships at its big twin lakes.

“It’s surprising because it’s a flat area. Peter O’Neill (ski school instructor and star Australian skier) is trying to get a tower for out there. We need infrastructure.”

Mr Duncan was pleased to hear the matter was discussed at council’s meeting on February 15. “The current situation is not good enough. We just need to keep the pressure on, to get better reception,” he said.