IMPROVED MOBILE COVERAGE FOR THE SHELFORD COMMUNITY

Member for Ballarat Catherine King and Member for Eureka Michaela Settle today joined with community members and representatives from Telstra at the new Shelford base station.

The new macro cell base station was funded through the Australian Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP) and provides new and improved 4G mobile coverage to the Shelford area, which previously experienced limited to no coverage.

Thanks to the completed project, the Shelford community and visitors to the area are already experiencing the economic and social benefits of improved connectivity.

The improved mobile connectivity will also enhance community safety in the case of future emergencies or natural disasters.

Shelford’s Telstra mobile base station was jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments with each government committing $186,500. The remaining funds were provided by Telstra.

The new base station is one of more than 1,140 delivered under the MBSP, which has generated more than $1 billion in combined investment between the Commonwealth, State, Territory and Local Governments, mobile industry providers and third parties.

New rounds of the MBSP are being delivered as part of the Government’s $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan. The Plan includes funding to boost mobile coverage and resilience, and conduct an independent audit to better identify mobile blackspots and target investment.

For more information on the Better Connectivity Plan, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/bcp

For information on the Mobile Black Spot Program, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/mbsp

Quotes attributable to Member for Ballarat Catherine King:

“Whether it’s for business, education or social connection, reliable mobile coverage isn’t a luxury, it’s essential.

“The Shelford community has fought for this improvement for a really long time. I’m so proud and delighted that our Government has made this a reality, and people have gotten the mobile upgrade that they need and deserve. 

“The Albanese Government is committed to delivering improved connectivity for people living, working and travelling in regional communities like Shelford.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eureka Michaela Settle:

“State Government is proud to work together with the Federal Government to provide connection to the people of Shelford. The internet is a part of our everyday life, and it's so important that people in the regions can get online without a worry."

Quotes attributable to Telstra Regional Engagement Manager Marcus Swinburne:

“We know how important mobile connectivity is today. This new site not only helps reduce mobile black spots in this area, but it will also improve capacity and 4G coverage and provide additional triple zero connectivity for users on other mobile networks in times of emergency.

“Building this new site, in partnership with the Federal and State Governments, shows Telstra is committed to delivering vital infrastructure and upgrades to boost connectivity through this area.”

Quotes attributable to Shelford resident Stephen Gilligan:

“It has been a long journey but it has been worth it, from the Petition to the House of Reps. on 15 May 2014 to now. 

“The town of Shelford has an improved telecommunication network, so in the case of an emergency, or natural disaster we will be far safer than we were in the past.”