The Albanese and Cook Governments have today announced $16 million in joint funding to deliver better mobile coverage along highways and major roads for Western Australians who live, work or holiday in regional and remote areas.
The funding, set to be delivered as part of the Albanese Government's $50m Regional Roads Australia Mobile Program (RRAMP), will support pilot programs to deliver new or innovative solutions to meet community connectivity expectations.
Outcomes from the RRAMP will also inform the design of a national program, which is set to be announced in 2025.
Once delivered, the pilot programs are expected to improve safety on our roads, strengthen economic growth, improve social connectivity, and support regional development along key road corridors in WA.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland announced the $8mfunding outcome for WA today, which will support the Cook Government to fund new and improved infrastructure to address mobile coverage gaps.
This joint initiative follows the first Regional Connectivity Ministers Roundtable in August 2023, where States and Territories agreed to partner with the Albanese Government to deliver improved mobile connectivity on major roads.
The WA Government is providing matching funding of $8m and will target its pilot program to improving coverage on two key regional road transport corridors.
The pilot program will focus on Albany Highway between Bedfordale and Albany Airport and the Great Eastern Highway between Bullabulling and Meckering.
In addition to addressing pressing mobile coverage issues, the pilot will also provide improved mobile connectivity during disaster and emergency situations.
The program is expected to commence soon with applications planned to open before the end of the year.
Quotes attributed to Communications Minister Michelle Rowland:
"The Albanese Government is narrowing the digital divide in rural and regional Australia.
"This important pilot program is just another way we're delivering significant connectivity and safety improvements for communities across both WA and nationally as the remainder of the program is rolled out.
"The RRAMP pilot programs are being delivered under the Australian Government's $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, which is funding initiatives to improve connectivity for regional and rural communities right across the country."
Quotes attributed to Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister:
"In an emergency, we want all Australians to know that the Albanese Government is absolutely focused on ensuring that, no matter where you live, you are in the best possible position to respond to disasters, particularly as we approach bushfire season.
"In a disaster, every second counts, and being able to receive information and maintain contact with family, friends and neighbours is crucial.
"I'm extremely pleased that this pilot program will deliver connection for more Australians when they need it most.
"This announcement is another example of the Albanese Government's commitment to improving community safety and resilience, following the announcement of Round 2 of the Disaster Ready Fund, which delivered joint funding of $55mtowards programs in WA."
Quotes attributed to WA Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"This new pilot program will make a meaningful difference to communities and businesses in regional WA, delivering improved connectivity and access to fast, reliable mobile services.
"The program will see significant infrastructure upgrades, boosting coverage along two major corridors in the Wheatbelt, Goldfields, and Great Southern regions.
"Since 2017, the WA Government has committed $154m to complement Commonwealth and industry investments to improve the State's connectivity infrastructure and will continue to work with the Commonwealth to bridge the 'digital divide' in our regions."
