Better connectivity on the way

Wednesday December 13, 2023

BETTER mobile coverage is on the cards with the federal government committing $15m to fund the 27 towers proposed earlier this year.

In October during the State Government’s Country Cabinet visit it committed $5.5m to the project.

Some locations will include Shaugh, Sherwood, Mundulla and Western Flat.

Other proposed areas include Reedy Creek, Stewart Range, Taratap, Blackford, Coles, Maaoupe, Penola, Mount McIntyre, Rendelsham, Canunda, Robe and Lake Hawdon.

There will also be towers installed at Beachport, South End, Tantanoola, Kongorong, Conroe, Caroline, Moorak, Yahl, Caveton, OB Flat and Port MacDonnell.

The state government will provide its 20 per cent while Telstra would contribute 25 per cent to the overall cost and local governments would contribute five per cent to its specific tower funding.

It was also announced that the South Australian Forest Production Association would contribute both in-kind and monetarily to the project.

Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell congratulated the project stating the funding was the “final puzzle piece” in the massive project.

“That was diligently brought together by local business, industry and government. It will connect our community in a way that will be life-changing for the people of the Limestone Coast,” Mr Bell said.

Member for MacKillop Nick McBride also commented stating it was exciting news for a major coup for the region and a result of collaboration between community,

industry, and all three tiers of government.

“This is a game changer for connectivity for our local businesses, tourism and families – connecting us all on a greater level than ever experienced before,” Mr McBride said.

Member for Regional Development Clare Scriven said she was delighted the unique collaboration between federal, state and local governments as well as industry had resulted in the fantastic outcome for the Limestone Coast.

“Connectivity is essential for the growth of businesses, education, training and community well being – this is an excellent outcome for our region,” Ms Scriven said.

Premier Peter Malinauskas welcomed the funding stating it was a “historic investment” in South Australia’s regional mobile phone coverage from Labor federal and state governments.

“It is a testament to what can be achieved when working together – with funding coming also coming directly from local government and industry to make this project a reality,” Mr Malinauskas said.

“This is, in no small part, thanks to the fierce advocacy of local Independent MPs Nick McBride and Troy Bell, along with Minister Clare Scriven.

“We welcome the federal government’s investment in all three mobile connectivity projects across South Australia.”

Federal Minister for Communications Michelle Rowlan said it should not matter where people live, access to reliable mobile coverage and connectivity was essential in 2023.

“That’s why the Albanese Government is investing $1.1 billion to narrow the digital divide as part of the most significant investment in regional communications since the creation of the National Broadband Network,” Ms Rowland said.

“This project will go a long way to supporting communities across the Limestone Coast access the mobile and data services they need.”

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