Poor coverage was highlighted when people were caught in the line of the St Patrick’s Day fires and had to battle this disaster without phone or internet access due to their remote locations.

Mr Tehan said he was aware of the concerns.

“I have spent the last couple of days travelling around the fire areas,” he said.

“I have heard first hand about the need to build further infrastructure to improve our mobile phone service in parts of the south-west,” Mr Tehan said. 

“The coalition government recognises the vital importance of mobile phone coverage, and here in Wannon, we have been very successful to date in delivering 16 mobile towers. 

“I will continue to work towards increasing Wannon’s mobile coverage footprint for priority locations.

“I also certainly welcome any independent investments that improve mobile coverage.”