Mr Hartsuyker said any community seeking support should contact his office before October 10 (details below).

The fourth round of funding for the Mobile Black Spot Program was announced by Deputy Nationals Leader and Minister for Regional Communities Bridget McKenzie in June.

Mr Hartsuyker developed the program that has helped many rural and regional communities achieve better mobile phone access when he was shadow Communications Minister.

He said that after four years of the Coalition government and $220 million in funding the program was on track to deliver 867 mobile phone towers across Australia by the middle of next year.

“My plan was built around the need to improve mobile coverage for communities, emergency service response, and on transport links and I’m pleased that it has been such a great success, especially through bringing 21st century communication to thousands of people who were missing out,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

“Minister McKenzie has continued the unbroken record of strong annual funding for the program since the Coalition took office in 2013.”

Mr Hartsuyker said that while communities were big beneficiaries, there were also major benefits from improved communications for emergency service response measures, and for all road users.

“An ability for emergency services to be able to reach people via SMS messages, particularly relating to fire, but also in relation to flooding or any other form of natural disaster, is a crucial benefit flowing from filling in black spots,” he said.

If you are interested in lodging an application under the Mobile Black Spot Program, information is available from https://bit.ly/2cDopc0.

If your community wishes to apply for funding contact Mr Hartsuyker’s office in Coffs Harbour on 6652 6233, or his Port Macquarie office on 6583 2075.