MAJOR NEW INVESTMENT FOR DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY IN BALLARAT

Residents and businesses in the Ballarat electorate will soon benefit from improved mobile and broadband connectivity as a result of three local communications projects funded by the Albanese Government.

As part of the Regional Connectivity Program (RCP) successful local projects that will receive Commonwealth co-investment include:

·         A Macro Mobile site at Rokewood, providing improved handheld coverage and capacity to the area.

·         A fixed wireless broadband project at Sailors Falls replacing existing satellite service and providing improved speeds and data to Sailors Falls and surrounding areas in the Hepburn Shire.

·         A fixed wireless broadband project in Trentham to provide improved connectivity to Blackwood and the surrounding areas of Newbury and Little Hampton.

In total, the Commonwealth is investing $170.2 million to deliver 136 projects nationally across both programs, as part of its ongoing work to narrow the digital divide for rural, regional, and First Nations communities.

Part of the Government’s $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan, the successful projects will boost regional, rural and remote connectivity by providing a range of technology upgrades – including fixed wireless, mobile voice and data, optical fibre and free public wi-fi solutions.

The projects leverage a total $106.25 million in co-contributions from State and Territory and industry, demonstrating a broad commitment to improve connectivity for regional and remote communities.

The rollout schedule will be published on the carriers’ websites once contracts are executed.
Full lists of funded projects under RCP Round 3 and MBSP Round 7 are available at www.infrastructure.gov.au/rcp and www.infrastructure.gov.au/mbsp.

Quotes attributable to Member for Ballarat Catherine King:

“Access to reliable mobile coverage and connectivity is essential. When your phone or internet doesn’t work, you can’t keep in touch with family and friends, run your business, or access essential services taken for granted in major cities, like tele-health.

“The Albanese Government is committed to narrowing the digital divide through targeted programs like the Regional Connectivity and Mobile Black Spot Programs.

“We know that these investments will make a meaningful difference to regional communities, and ensure that locals can stay connected.”