At the 2025 federal election, the Coalition promised $2 million to improve mobile reception in Somerville, by erecting a telecommunications tower east of Jones Road, Somerville.
The Albanese Government failed to match this commitment.
I will keep fighting for the over 18,000 Somerville residents, who due to reception issues, are unable to access internet banking, have phone calls drop out multiple times within a single call, and cannot work from home.
I am working alongside our Shadow Communications Minister, and local residents groups, such as the Somerville Business Group, to push for the Government to fund reception upgrades in this area.
Sign my petition below to help me make the case for better reception in Somerville!
Improve Somerville's Mobile Reception
A petition to fix Somerville and surrounds Mobile Reception
The Shadow Minister for Communications, the Hon David Coleman MP, recently visited Somerville to see first-hand the poor mobile reception in the Somerville area. The Shadow Minister joined me on Wednesday 28 May 2023 to tour some of the most troublesome blackspots, meet with community groups and the Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor, Cr Steve Holland.
Our first stop was the Western Port Caravan Park on Lumeah Road in Somerville, where we met with the owner, Jane, who explained the impacts that poor mobile reception has on business, the residents and visitors to the Park, and the health and safety concerns. Jane’s concerns were on full display when the Shadow Minister tried to open a map on his phone, only to realise he had no reception.
We also met with the Somerville Business Group, who explained the concerns that poor mobile reception has on local businesses, particularly those that operate from home. This of course also affects students studying at home, and the ability for locals to access information, social media and make calls.
I would like to thank Eric Collier who attended the meeting and presented data that he had gathered online. The data paints a very clear picture of the reception issues we face in Somerville and was invaluable in demonstrating the need for further investment, particularly east of Jones Road.
Me and my team, in conjunction with the Shadow Minister’s office, are liaising with the various Telcos and the Federal Government, to pursue a pathway to address the reception issues in Somerville.
I am keen to hear your thoughts on this issue. What would you like to see done to improve mobile reception in Somerville?
Send me an email at Zoe.McKenzie.MP@aph.gov.au or call 03 5977 9082 to share your thoughts.
Zoe.