THE HON DAVID LITTLEPROUD MP
Leader of The Nationals
Federal Member for Maranoa
28 October 2025
Poor Telstra coverage hindering harvest season
Leader of The Nationals and Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said poor Telstra coverage is hindering the harvest season, as farmers and business owners struggle to get the phone services they need.
Mr Littleproud said Telstra is still waiting to secure funding for the necessary 5G upgrade in Thallon, which is frustrating locals.
“The Thallon mobile coverage upgrade has been added to Telstra’s ‘to do’ list for 2027, which is simply too far away,” Mr Littleproud said.
“Farmers, families and business owners have limited to no services for the second year in a row, despite being in an area of prime agricultural country which helps feed the nation. It is also currently harvest season, making lack of coverage more frustrating.
“If this was happening in Sydney or Melbourne, there would be widespread outrage. I call on the Albanese Labor Government to prioritise Thallon rather than treating regional Australia like second-class citizens.”
Thallon rural contractor Tyson Buhse said since the 4G takeover, harvest season has been a nightmare.
“It’s just so frustrating that we pay for a product that isn’t consistent,” Mr Buhse said.
“Places where we used to be able to make calls or upload has significantly changed or is no longer available. Everything in small business or business in general runs through a phone – it’s our income being affected, with unwanted down time or not being able to run efficiently and also the loss of work, being a contractor.
“I was told by Telstra to buy a ‘booster’ or Starlink through them, rather than fix what I am already paying for.
“I’m not whinging about the price of the bill each month, I just want a product or service that works.”
