Last night, AMTA CEO Chris Althaus and the Mobile Carriers Forum Program Manager, Matt Evans, addressed the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) CEO Forum Dinner in Melbourne. This annual Forum covers important issues for local government and attracts 80% of Victoria’s 79 Council Chief Executive officers. 

It provided an opportunity to access Council leaders in the one place at the one time. AMTA and the MCF spoke of the industry’s priorities and the important relationship between the Industry and Local Councils across Victoria. This includes the management of community consultation and the approval process for new mobile network towers and antennas as well as the social and economic benefits of the technology that are becoming increasingly important in local communities.

Chris Althaus provided an overview of the challenges faced by the industry with the rapid uptake in mobile broadband services which underpins the need for more infrastructure. Matt Evans spoke of the MCF’s work in developing processes with these local Councils to improve the siting and design of new mobile network facilities in local communities as well as efforts to speed up development approval.

“Councils provide local knowledge which can be critical to the success of achieving development approval for mobile network infrastructure. We rely on Councils to assist us in providing feedback on the best locations for new towers in areas where we need to provide coverage” Mr Evans said.