Mobile connection a must

Champika Hewa Maddumage (middle) with the staff from his restaurant, Ambula, expressed his understanding of the importance of connection to small businesses. (Supplied)

The topic of inadequate mobile connectivity in the suburb of Clyde North has been a riveting topic for a number of years and is something that Dillwynia Ward candidates have taken a strong focus on with the election just weeks away.

Independent candidate Champika Hewa Maddumage has launched a petition for better coverage, emphasising that the problem extends further than inconvenience, but is also a concern for safety, business growth and essential communication.

“We cannot stand by any longer, I felt compelled to take action,” he said.

Maddumage is not the only candidate with a strong focus on the issue, with others such as Anthony Dissanayake and Jaz Masuta making it their priority.

Overall infrastructure comes close, with figures such as Gurpreet Gill and Baljinder Dhaliwal highlighting congestion and the lack of proper arterial roads in the region.

Candidates such as Anthony Walter, Joe Pang and David Bissell recognise the same need, citing an overarching need for a broader sense of community togetherness in order to facilitate an active voice in these future changes.

To Maddumage however, he believes that mobile coverage is essential, especially in the 21st century.

A business owner himself, Maddumage sees the urgency of efficient connectivity, to ensure that Clyde North does not “fall behind in the digital age”.

“Let’s make our voices heard and work together for meaningful improvements,” he said.