The Federal Albanese Government today announced $15 million to boost mobile phone coverage in the Limestone Coast – adding to funding already committed by the Malinauskas Labor Government.
The Malinauskas State Labor Government put $5.5 million on the table for Telstra’s Regional Connectivity Proposal, helping leverage the $15 million in federal funds – the project now has investment from all three tiers of government, and local industry.
The historic investment brings the total Federal and State Government funding to $20.5 million to install 27 new mobile base stations across, adding around 2,400 square kilometres of new 4G coverage.
The new towers will increase mobile coverage, wireless broadband, and data-sharing capabilities. Vitally, it will also provide additional Triple Zero connectivity for users of other networks in emergency situations.
This will enable more efficient communication and monitoring in the forestry, dairy, agricultural, winery, and wool industries, provide better services to tourists, and improve access to health services.
The project was developed in consultation with local councils, the South Australian Forest Products Association, Primary Producers SA, Grain Producers SA, the South-East Professional Fisherman’s Association, RDA Limestone Coast, and the SA Country Fire Service.
The Albanese Labor Government’s contribution is being delivered through the Regional Connectivity Program.
RCP Round 3 is awarding $115.23 million for 74 connectivity projects across Australia. Other South Australian projects receiving a Federal Government funding boost as part of the plan are NBN Fixed Wireless upgrades in Coober Pedy ($990,000) and Lock, Eyre Peninsula ($1.3 million).
Full lists of funded projects under RCP Round 3 and MBSP Round 7 are available at the Regional Connectivity Program and the Mobile Black Spot Program pages on the Australian Government website.