Residents across regional and rural Victoria will soon be better connected following successful applications for funding mobile and broadband upgrades 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 $14.7 million in Coalition Government funding will be invested across several areas, including to deploy a combined 20 macro mobile sites, fixed wireless services in the southern Mallee and Wimmera area, and upgrading the nbn™ service technology in the town of Sea Lake from nbn™ Sky Muster Satellite to nbn™ Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) technology.
The Coalition Government funded more than 130 projects in regional Australia in Round 1 of the program and these Round 2 projects will now build upon the government’s past investments.
“These Round 2 projects will build upon the government’s past investment in the Mobile Blackspot Program, which has funded 206 Mobile Black Spot Program projects across Victoria to date,” Minister McKenzie said.
“I’m very pleased that residents and businesses across regional and rural Victoria will soon be able to enjoy the benefits and opportunities that this project will bring in terms of digital connectivity.
“Digital connectivity is an essential part of how we work, learn, stay safe and remain in contact with loved ones. The Coalition will continue to invest in this critical infrastructure as part of our plan for a strong economy and stronger future.
“Our government has continued to take a collaborative approach with the telecommunications industry and regional and remote communities to make sure that the funded projects are tailored to the needs of each region and are supported by the community. This approach has resulted in an opportunity to create real change in the regions.
“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 making it harder for rural Australians to access healthcare and education virtually.”
Regional Connectivity Program Round 2 Projects in Victoria:
Axedale, Goornong, Colbinabbin, Toolleen – Bendigo/Nicholls ($1,113,050) The project will deploy seven new Telstra macro mobiles sites and fibre backhaul to the east of Bendigo, at Fosterville Mine, Axedale, Goornong, Knowsley, Colbinabbin, Toolleen Sports Club, Heathcote Raceway, providing improved handheld coverage to the area.
Calulu and Woodglen – Gippsland ($1,149,600)
The project will deploy two new Telstra macro mobile sites at Calulu and Woodglen. These locations are in the Lindenow Valley, forming part of the Lindenow Food Bowl.
Bairnsdale – Gippsland ($512,050)
The project will deploy a new high-capacity Telstra macro mobile site in at the Bairnsdale Aerodrome. This will result in new and improved coverage to the Aerodrome, Bairnsdale, the Great Alpine Road and the Princes Highway
Nicholson – Gippsland ($884,000)
The project will deploy a new high-capacity Telstra macro mobile site to the Nicholson area. This will result in new and improved coverage to the Great Alpine Road, and the Princes Highway.
Goorambat – Indi ($232,400)
The project will deploy a new Telstra macro mobile site at Goorambat in northern Victoria, providing improved handheld coverage to the area.
Boho South – Indi ($674,700)
This project will deploy a new Telstra macro mobile site with new transmission backhaul to the locality of Boho South, providing improved mobile coverage to the area.
Tarrawingee – Indi ($518,900)
The project will deploy a new Telstra macro cell mobile site, providing improved handheld coverage to the Tarrawingee area.
Sea Lake – Mallee ($3,553,866)
The project will upgrade the nbn™ service technology in the town of Sea Lake from nbn™ Sky Muster Satellite to nbn™ Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) technology.
Southern Mallee – Mallee/Wannon ($2,615,800)
The project will build new Pivotel 4G and mmWave Fixed Wireless Access services to the Wimmera Southern Mallee (WSM) region of Western Victoria.
Tylden – McEwen ($479,000)
This project will deploy a new Telstra macro cell site and required fibre backhaul in Tylden. This solution will provide new and improved coverage along the Kyneton to Trentham roadway, along the Calder Highway, and along the nearby rail line.
Noojee – Monash ($941,200)
The project will deploy a new Telstra macro mobile site, providing improved coverage to Noojee in the Gippsland region.
Walkerville – Monash ($462,450)
The project will deploy a new Telstra macro cell mobile site, providing improved handheld coverage to the Walkerville area.
Orford – Wannon ($400,950)
This project will deploy a new Telstra macro cell site and required fibre backhaul in Orford. This solution will provide new and improved coverage to the Orford area and along the Princes Highway.
Maroona – Wannon ($548,700)
The project will deploy a new Telstra macro mobile site, providing new and improved handheld coverage to Maroona and surrounding area.
Noorat – Wannon ($708,300)
The project will deploy a new Telstra macro cell mobile site, providing improved handheld coverage to the Noorat area.
Mobile Blackspot Program
We have funded 206 new base stations in Victoria under the Mobile Black Spot Program to date, with 181 of these projects already completed.
Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND)
In Victoria 94 base stations have received funding under the Mobile Network Hardening Program (MNHP) to receive at least 12 hours back-up power, 93 of which are operational, and a further 138 projects committed under Stage 2.
Under the STAND package, the Coalition 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 341 locations across Victoria that received funding, 315 of which are currently operational.
Only the Coalition will continue to deliver for Victoria 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
