- Cook Government invests additional $1 million to boost telecommunications reliability during natural disasters
- Round 2 of the Mobile Network Hardening Program improving mobile network resilience
The Cook Government is improving public safety and digital connectivity across Western Australia, with regional and remote communities set to benefit from joint State and Commonwealth Government funding to improve mobile network resilience.
The Western Australian Government has committed nearly $1 million in addition to the Federal Government's $6 million allocation towards Round 2 of the Federal Mobile Network Hardening Program to deliver 92 projects throughout WA.
The joint investment will assist Telstra to upgrade mobile base stations and exchanges with 12-hour batteries across 71 locations, some with multiple projects, across the State's vast regions from the Kimberley to the South Coast.
The Commonwealth is also directing funding to Optus to install a permanent generator in Karratha.
The permanent generator at Karratha, which experiences regular cyclones, will provide five-to- seven days of backup power, while battery backup power upgrades at the many regional and remote sites will lift power reserves significantly.
Mobile Network Hardening Program Round 1 funding has already hit the ground in WA, supporting 48 projects worth $3.5 million from the Kimberley to the South West.
The Cook Government continues to support regional telecommunications infrastructure, having made a $16.5 million commitment for enhanced mobile and fixed-broadband services throughout WA in December 2023.
Since 2017, the WA Labor Government has committed $154 million to complement Commonwealth and industry investments to advance the State's digital connectivity infrastructure and help bridge the 'digital divide' in the regions.
For a full list of the projects visit https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/department/media/publications/mobile-network-hardening-program-round-2-funded-sites
As stated by Regional Development Minister Don Punch:
"Strong telecommunications are imperative during natural disasters to support emergency service efforts and keep people connected.
"With climate change increasing the frequency of natural disasters, like fire and cyclones, it is important for our regions to have strong telecommunications.
"The Western Australian and Federal Governments are working together through the Mobile Network Hardening Program to deliver and reinforce these essential services for our regional and remote communities."
