Representatives of Telstra Countrywide have been invited to answer concerns the public has in relation to the black spots frequently encountered by Tathra locals.

“What we’ve asked them down for is we want a resolution,” Tathra Chamber of Commerce president Kerry McKee said.

“Can they fix it? Will they fix it?”

As well as the potential adverse effects on Tathra Chamber of Commerce members and other local businesses, Ms McKee said a more pressing concern is medical service for the town.

Another main concern is the availability of the emergency alert system for a town ringed by national park, state forest and the ocean – all of which with the potential for natural disasters.

“GPs can’t get coverage along the beachfront area and visitors are finding they don’t have coverage when on holidays here.

“From the business point of view, people just won’t stay in holiday accommodation and I’ve even heard of one house sale falling through when the buyer found out he couldn’t get mobile coverage.”

Ms McKee also highlighted the area’s ageing population and the growing trend of households cancelling their land line services to save on bills, but therefore becoming reliant on mobile phone reception.

“Telstra, to their credit, is the one phone company trying to fix the problem,” she said. 

“We don’t plan to be confrontational, we just want to know where we stand.

“We want to know about our long-term options.

“It’s not all of Tathra, some places have quite good reception.

“It’s more along the beach area and towards Kianniny.

“Everyone is talking about speedy broadband – we couldn’t care less, we just want mobile coverage now.”

The public meeting will be held on Monday at the Tathra Surf Life Saving Club from 7pm.