February 2, 2017
A unique forum organised by Member for Maranoa David Littleproud on Monday night brought together representatives from Australia’s three major telcos to discuss communication issues in rural Queensland.
The Rural Telecommunications Forum, held in Dalby, included senior staff from Telstra, Optus and Vodafone as well as representatives from seven councils (including the South Burnett), AgForce, the Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association, Chambers of Commerce and local businesses.
More than 50 people attended and items discussed included phone coverage, service obligations, data and cost.
Mr Littleproud said he had a passion to find better telecommunications outcomes for communities in Maranoa, which spans about 42 per cent of Queensland.
“Community leaders, local business, farming and education advocacy groups were able to sit down and actually discuss the challenges faced with senior executives from Telstra, Optus and Vodafone,” Mr Littleproud said.
“I’ve been very open in my opinion that the Universal Service Obligation (USO), between the Telstra and the government, isn’t working because we’re simply not seeing this agreement being invested in rural and remote communities – where it’s most needed.
“This forum enabled an open and honest discussion, nothing was off limits and we had a very frank discussion relating to the unacceptable cost and service variation between city and the regions.
“If we had reliable telecommunications in the bush to grow our business, educate our children and better support our health system – our potential would be unparalleled.
“Especially when recognising the contribution rural communities make to the national economy because, here in Maranoa, we contribute more per capita GDP than the Gold Coast, Toowoomba or Townsville.
“Better telecommunications is one of my key election commitments, that’s why I facilitated this meeting so the major telcos visited Maranoa and were available to our community to discuss these important issues across my electorate.
“Breaks in our communications network hinder emergency services, tourism, education, business and community growth – that’s why I’ve been advocating so hard on this issue.”
