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Ingram Calls For Retention Of Key Public PayphonesThe Independent Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, has backed East Gippsland Shire Council in its submission to retain public payphones in key locations across his electorate. By Craig Ingram - 4th October 2007 - Back to News Mr Ingram said today that Telstra had earmarked a number of payphones to be removed in Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance, Lake Tyers, Marlo and Mallacoota due to cost effectiveness.
"This move follows a similar exercise some time ago, which also angered local residents," Mr Ingram said.
"Of great concern is the planned removal of a phone at the Bairnsdale Rail Station.
"Recent figures presented to me indicate a dramatic rise in the amount of people utilising the train service and it is nonsense that this piece of key infrastructure is being considered for removal.
"I acknowledge that many people now carry mobile phones, but many occasions arise where a pay phone is more practicable.
"Vandalism also is a major factor in the viablility of a public payphone and members of the who witness an attack on a public payphone should immediately contact local police.
"I have written to Telstra to reconsider the removal of these payphones and East Gippsland Shire Council has also prepared a submission.
"Telstra is becoming another example of a privatised essential industry which takes more notice of a financial spreadsheet than the needs of the people it serves," Mr Ingram concluded.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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