Residents of Christmas Island, Douglas Daly, Alyangula, Middle Point, Angurugu, Acacia Hills, Milyakburra Island and Edith River in the Northern Territory will be better connected following successful applications to improve mobile coverage under Round 2 of the Regional Connectivity Program.
Minister for Regional Communications, Bridget McKenzie, said the projects form part of the Coalition Government’s continuing roll-out of the $257 million Regional Connectivity Program (RCP).
The $15.7 million in Coalition Government funding will be invested across these regions for macro and small cell mobile sites.
“This is a welcome investment in the region. These new Telstra macro and small cell mobile sites will provide new and improved mobile, voice and data connectivity for residents and visitors to these regions. The upgrade will also support local businesses and community facilities, enabling increased residential access to essential services such as telehealth and education,” Minister McKenzie said.
Through Round 1 of the RCP, the Coalition Government funded more than 130 projects in regional, rural, and remote communities, while these Round 2 projects will now build upon the Government’s past investment in the Program.
“The projects are funded under the Connecting Northern Australia component, which the Coalition Government allocated $72 million towards in the 2021-22 Federal Budget. Thirty-four projects will be delivered under this component of Round 2,” Minister McKenzie said.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud MP, said the Coalition Government’s investment would improve access to the digital economy for our First Nations communities, regional communities and businesses in the growth area of Northern Australia.
“This investment in Northern Australia will provide either an upgrade or in some cases, the first digital connections for businesses. It will extend the economic and social benefits of high-speed, reliable broadband and mobile services to Australians living and working the north.
“As part of the CNA initiative, $27 million of funding was allocated to mobile connectivity projects following an exceptionally strong response, highlighting the importance – and our commitment – to delivering high quality telecommunications infrastructure and keeping communities connected.
“By contrast, Labor has not funded a single mobile tower in regional Australia, in fact they recently announced that an Albanese led government will cut $155 million from the budget for regional communications.”
Country Liberal Party candidate for Lingiari, Damien Ryan said it was great to see the Coalition investing in improved telecommunication infrastructure and services in remote communities.
“I know these projects will ensure residents and businesses are connected to the rest of the world to a standard other Australians now take for granted, and this is an exciting prospect particularly for commerce and tourism in remote parts of the Territory,” Mr Ryan said.
Regional Connectivity Program Round 2 Projects in Northern Territory and Christmas Island:
Douglas Daly ($904,950) The project will deploy one new Telstra macro cell base station in the Douglas-Daly region, providing new and improved coverage to the area.
Alyangula ($1,656,150) The project will deploy a new Telstra macro mobile base station in the Alyangula township to provide improved handheld coverage.
Middle Point ($1,084,275) The project will deploy a new Telstra macro mobile base station to service the rural locality of Middle Point and a section of the Arnhem Highway.
Angurugu ($951,150) The project will deploy a new Telstra small cell mobile base station to service the Aboriginal community of Angurugu, situated on the island of Groote Eylandt.
Acacia Hills ($902,925) The project will deploy one new Telstra macro cell mobile base station to service the rural locality of Acacia Hills.
Milyakburra Island ($1,586,700) The project will deploy a new Telstra macro cell mobile site at the Aboriginal community at Milyakburra Island, providing improved coverage to the area.
Edith River ($1,204,500) The project will deploy a new Telstra macro cell mobile site to provide new and improved connectivity to the Edith locality, located along the Stuart Highway.
Christmas Island ($7,500,825) The project will upgrade two Telstra 2G macro cell base stations to 4GX macro cell base stations at Christmas Island and deploy one new Telstra 4GX macro cell base stations at Christmas Island’s airport.
Gemtree ($984,075) – previously announced
The project will deploy a new Telstra macro mobile site, providing new and improved handheld coverage to Gemtree, located in Anmatjere.
White Gums (242,080) – previously announced
BizCom Pty Ltd will deliver a fibre broadband network to the suburb of White Gums in Alice Springs, providing improved connectivity to the area.
Mobile Blackspot Program We have funded 42 new base stations in Lingiari under the Mobile Black Spot Program to date, with 23 of these projects already completed.
Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) In Lingiari one base station has received funding under the Mobile Network Hardening Program (MNHP) to receive at least 12 hours back-up power. The battery back-up at this base station is now complete.
Under the STAND package, the Liberal and Nationals Government is upgrading telecommunications connectivity at fire service depots and evacuation centres across Australia to support their essential work. This involves the installation of NBN Co. Sky Muster satellites at rural and country fire service depots and designated evacuation centres. There are 57 locations across Lingiari that received funding, 12 of which are currently operational.
Only the Coalition will continue to deliver for the Northern Territory and Christmas Island as part of our plan to build a strong economy and a stronger future.
More information about the Regional Connectivity Program is available at: http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/rcp
