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With $ 20 million on the table to improve mobile phone coverage in urban fringe townships , Hawkesbury and Blue Mountains residents are being urged to tell the Federal Government exactly what blackspots they need fixed .

Macquarie MP Susan Templeman says large areas of the Hawkesbury are eligible for the Peri-Urban Mobile Program ( PUMP ) and we should take advantage of this next round of funding to improve our lot .

“ Poor mobile coverage is something locals consistently raise , and we know

Pushing for a slice of the $ 20m mobile coverage funding for better communication across the electorate , Macquarie MP Susan Templeman .

how vital it is during natural disasters ,” Ms Templeman said .

“ Our region has longstanding mobile coverage and connectivity issues , which is why the Albanese Government has also committed to and budgeted for new mobile phone towers in Hawkesbury Heights , Mt Tomah , Oakville , Blaxlands Ridge , Bowen Mountain , Maraylya and Yellow Rock and a range of small cell and tower improvements in Bilpin , Berambing and the Macdonald Valley .

“ But there are still more areas

needing attention , which are underserved because of their high cost , difficult terrain and lower population densities .”

Ms Templeman encourages residents to log their blackspots and look at the draft guidelines to ensure the $ 20m round of funding under the Peri- Urban Mobile Program delivers for our community .

“ A Project Noticeboard has been established as part of the consultation process leading up to the next round of PUMP funding , to help local councils , community groups , businesses and individuals identify mobile coverage and reception problems in the urban fringe .

“ The information will assist in the telecommunications sector and other partners to develop applications for funding .”

“ I strongly encourage locals to not only log their blackspots , but also have a look at the draft guidelines which we ’ re seeking input on , to ensure this next round of the Peri-Urban Mobile Program delivers the investment our community needs .”

Go to : infrastructure . gov . au / mediatechnology-communications and look for Peri-Urban Mobile Program to take part .