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Government funds for mobile phone tower

23 June 2011

The South Australian Government is providing up to $250,000 through its Regional Infrastructure Development Fund (RDIF) to assist with the construction of a mobile phone tower south of Mount Gambier.

Regional Development Minister Gail Gago says the grant will go to Regional Development Australia (RDA) Limestone Coast to rectify inadequate mobile telecommunications coverage in the area.

Ms Gago says the Barn Palais – a motel/restaurant/convention complex at O B Flat – has agreed to have the tower on its premises, in partnership with Telstra.

“This will provide Next G network coverage for a radius of 22km,” the Minister said.

“The Barn Conference Centre has indicated the tower upgrade will potentially underpin a $1 million expansion of their facilities, a move which would create 10 new jobs.

“The benefits of this project will spread beyond the Barn Palais to other sectors, such as transport, as many commercial vehicles rely on mobile data transmission.”

RDA Limestone Coast Board Chair Mark Braes said it was “wonderful news” for the O B Flat area.

“Historically, there has been poor mobile reception in the area so a lot of people will be very happy to hear this,” Mr Braes said.

“It’s not just about locals and visitors – it’s also very good news for the transport industry.

“We have a great deal of transport which comes through this area to Mount Gambier or moving down to Portland and beyond that will benefit from this.”

Ms Gago said the RDIF is a $3 million per annum fund which provides support for infrastructure costs of projects which drive sustainable economic development.