A MOTION on notice advocating for improved telecommunications services in Mariginiup led Wanneroo councillors to highlight issues facing several other suburbs.
Councillor Dianne Guise tabled the motion at the April 4 meeting, requesting the chief executive encourage Mariginiup residents to nominate their suburb as a mobile coverage black spot, ask residents and business owners to highlight other areas in the City where internet services are a problem and lobby the Federal Government for adequate services.
Her proposal said councillors were constantly hearing from residents that internet services were “less than satisfactory”.
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READ NOW“With an increasing number of people wishing to work from home and with the need for students to be able to study after hours online, this problem needs to be addressed,” the motion said.
“The City is going to need a fast and reliable Information and Communication Technology system for the Neerabup industrial area, if we are to successfully encourage companies to locate their business in our region.”
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The City’s response said it was consistent with its approach to create awareness of mobile black spots and would continue to work with the community to highlight the need for better services.
It said there was “regular and ongoing communication” with NBN Co regarding the rollout of the national broadband network.
Cr Dot Newton seconded the motion, lamenting the problem inadequate coverage caused small business owners and encouraging residents to contact the City so it could “map out” areas with service issues.
North ward Cr Linda Aitken moved an amendment to include Two Rocks, Alkimos and Eglinton as residents had “repeatedly” told her of problems with internet and mobile phone services, and Cr Natalie Sangalli said Carabooda and Nowergup were also affected.
Cr Guise said the motion’s intent was to raise public awareness of the problem and encourage all residents and business operators in the City to highlight areas of concern.
The meeting was adjourned to create an amendment reflecting this, which was passed unanimously.
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