The Andrews Labor Government is supporting local businesses and communities by investing in new infrastructure to improve mobile coverage and broadband services across the state.
Some 17 towns and local government areas can expect better services thanks to the confirmed upgrades, including locations in Gippsland, the Wimmera, the South West and northern Victoria.
The signalling and internet connection boost is due to jointly-funded work to build new mobile and broadband infrastructure, which will open up more opportunities for local businesses and tourism.
The Labor Government is investing $12.2 million, from the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, securing a further $37.3 million investment by partners Telstra, NBN Co and the Commonwealth Government.
As part of the project, Telstra will deliver improved mobile coverage at Kobyboyn, Cabbage Tree Creek, Lascelles, Gazette, Broughton, Halls Gap, Gipsy Point and Toongabbie.
The fibre optic links between Bright and Bruthen will also be upgraded, enabling improved broadband and mobile services in locations throughout the Alpine, East Gippsland and Wangaratta regions. Additionally, NBN Projects will deliver fixed broadband in Murchison, Timboon, Teesdale, Hopetoun, Rushworth and Kaniva.
Digital connectivity is at the core of Victoria's economic recovery, and the Labor Government is working to deliver the most affordable and accessible internet for businesses, employees, students and all Victorians.
As stated by Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford
"Better connectivity will provide wonderful benefit to these communities."
"It will create opportunities for local businesses to grow, and more members of the community to be connected to each other."
As stated by NBN Co Chief Development Officer Regional and Remote Gavin Williams
"For the residents of Rushworth, Teesdale, Timboon, Murchison, Hopetoun and Birregurra this funding means they will soon have the option to access fixed line NBN services, enhancing their ability to participate in the digital economy to access to the full range of online community, government and healthcare services, stream entertainment content on demand and stay connected to friends and family."
As stated by Telstra Regional General Manager for Eastern Victoria Loretta Willaton
"We'll not only boost connectivity through new and improved mobile coverage in regional communities but, as part of the Regional Connectivity Program, we'll also be able to strengthen and expand our network so we can continue to deliver for regional Victoria."
