Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton is pleased that residents of Rawsonville, Dickygundi, Minore, Terramungamine and Boggabilla will have improved mobile services thanks to funding under Round 2 of the Regional Connectivity Program.
Residents of Rawsonville, Dickygundi, Minore and Terramungamine and Boggabilla in New South Wales will soon be better connected following a successful application for funding improved mobile services under Round 2 of the Regional Connectivity Program.
Minister for Regional Communications, Bridget McKenzie, said these projects form part of the Coalition Government’s continued roll-out of the $257 million Regional Connectivity Program (RCP).
“Through Round 1 of the RCP, the Coalition Government funded more than 130 projects in regional, rural and remote communities, including six projects in the electorate of Parkes and the Round 2 projects builds on the government’s past investment in the program,” Minister McKenzie said.
“I’m very pleased that residents, business and visitors to Rawsonville, Dickygundi, Minore, Terramungamine and Boggabilla will soon be able to enjoy the benefits and opportunities of new and improved mobile, voice and data connectivity.
“The upgrade will support local businesses and community facilities, as well as enabling increased residential access to essential services such as telehealth and education.
“Digital connectivity is an essential part of how we work, learn, stay healthy 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.
“The Coalition Government has continued to take a collaborative approach with the telecommunications industry, and our regional and remote communities, to make sure that the funded projects are tailored to the needs of each region.
“By contrast, Labor has not funded a single mobile tower in regional Australia, in fact they have recently announced an Albanese-led government will cut $155million from the budget for regional communications.”
Nationals Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, welcomed the $508,900 investment for these areas under Round 2 of the Regional Connectivity Program.
“This is a welcome investment in our region. These projects will deliver improved mobile services so locals have better access to essential services such as telehealth and education services,” Mr Coulton said.
“Only a Coalition Government will back our regions through improving regional connectivity.”
Regional Connectivity Program Round 2 Projects in Parkes:
Dubbo – Parkes ($436,300)
The project will build new Pivotel 4G and mmWave Fixed Wireless Access services to the north-west of Dubbo, providing coverage to the regional towns of Rawsonville, Dickygundi, Minore and Terramungamine.
Boggabilla – Parkes ($72,600)
The project will deploy one new Telstra small cell mobile site, providing improved handheld coverage to the Boggabilla area.
The Coalition Government’s track record of delivering regional communications in the Parkes electorate:
Mobile Blackspot Program
Under the program, 28 mobile base stations have been funded to be deployed in the electorate. To date 11 base stations are complete and now on air. The Coalition Government has committed $7.6 million under the program to date in the electorate of Parkes to deliver new and improved mobile coverage.
In the Parkes electorate, the Coalition funding has leveraged a total investment of $15.5 million, including co-contributions from the mobile carriers, state and local governments, and community organisations.
Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND)
In the electorate of Parkes, five base stations have received funding under the Mobile Network Hardening Program (MNHP) to receive at least 12 hours back-up power.
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 9 locations in Parkes that have received funding, 5 of which are operational.
More information about the Program is available at: http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/rcp
Only the Coalition has a plan to continue delivering a strong economy and a stronger future for Regional Australia.
