The first rollout of Victoria’s new mobile towers is underway with Telstra yesterday releasing their schedule to fix regional mobile blackspots in Carlisle River over the next six months.
The site is one of the first of 109 new mobile base stations to be constructed across regional Victoria as part of a successful joint bid by the Andrews Labor Government and Telstra under round one of the Commonwealth Government’s $100 million Mobile Black Spot Programme (MBSP).
Over the next three years the project will radically improve mobile coverage and connectivity for up to 12,000 households and businesses across regional Victoria, eliminating communication blackspots and boosting the state’s regional economy by an estimated $120 million per year.
There will also be improved public safety and access to emergency management information in the event of natural disasters, which were high priorities in Victoria’s submission to the MBSP, backed by Emergency Management Victoria Commissioner Craig Lapsley.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP said the Barongarook West, Barwon Downs, Busty Road, Cape Otway, Gellibrand, Kawarren and Yeodene sites, which also received first round funding from the MBSP, are not included in this rollout but Telstra will be releasing six-monthly rollout schedules throughout the next three years.
The Labor Government is now considering how Victoria will participate to maximise on funding for round two of the Commonwealth Government’s Mobile Black Spot Programme.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney:
“This is a game-changer for our communities in Polwarth.”
“Improving mobile services for regional Victorians will not only connect us better, it
will add significant economic benefits to our communities and give peace of mind to those living in areas prone to bushfires and other natural disasters.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Small Business, Innovation and Trade, Philip Dalidakis
“The Andrews Labor Government is fixing mobile blackspots across the state and is currently working closely with Telstra to ensure regional Victorians and communities in high risk bushfire areas can access reliable mobile services when they need them most.”
“We will continue to push the Turnbull Government to ensure Victoria receives its fair share of funds for the next phase of the Commonwealth’s Mobile Black Spots Programme.”