Poor mobile phone reception was high on the agenda at the Minnamurra Progress Association’s annual general meeting earlier this month.

Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, had been scheduled to attend but was forced to cancel due to falling ill, and instead provided a written response to the association.

In a letter provided to The Bugle, Phillips apologised to the members and outlined a clear response to the topics raised by the Association.

According to the Telstra network coverage maps, the Minnamurra region is only covered by 3G and 4G networks.

Association assistant secretary Cliff Mason said phone reception was an ongoing issue for the residents of Minnamurra.

“It’s not the best. Quite often we actually have to go outside our home to try and stand outside to try and get better coverage,” Mason said.

“Sometimes calls drop out, which if you’ve been waiting to speak to somebody for a while on hold, that’s very frustrating.”

Leading up to the 2022 Federal Election, Phillips made a commitment for improved mobile phone coverage in the northern part of the Kiama local government area.

“As part of delivering this commitment, funding has been provided under the Mobile Black Spot Program to Telstra for improving mobile phone coverage,” Phillips said in a letter to the Minnamurra Progress Association.

“Telstra has planned a Telstra Base Station at Curramore, for 4G and 5G coverage, and this particular base station will provide significant improved mobile phone coverage to the Jamberoo, Minnamurra, and Kiama Downs areas.

“The base station is planned to be operational in 2026.”

Whilst Mason appreciated Phillips’ advocacy, he was concerned with the timeline.

“We appreciate that Ms Phillips did look into it, but sometime in 2026 could be another 18 months away before anything happens,” Mason said.

“The focus was more on Jamberoo Valley and Kiama, I gather from the letter.

“So, we’re still not sure whether that’s going to help Minnamurra anyway.”

In a 2020 report released by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, 60% of Australian adults were mobile-only for voice calls at home (with mobile but no landline). 

Minnamurra Progress Association has been advocating for the residents of the town for over 65 years with a transcending ethos of retaining the beauty and maintaining the area.

“Minnamurra is, I think, one of the most beautiful places in our state,” Mason said.

“We’re very fortunate to live here and the Association’s operated for well over 65 years to try and ensure that we retained that beauty and looked after the area.

“And that’s the real purpose of the Minnamurra Progress Association.”

For more information on the Minnamurra Progress Association head to their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MinnaProgress