The Federal Albanese Government today announced $15 million to boost mobile phone coverage in the Limestone Coast – adding to funding already committed by the Malinauskas Labor Government.
The Malinauskas State Labor Government put $5.5 million on the table for Telstra's Regional Connectivity Proposal, helping leverage the $15 million in federal funds – the project now has investment from all three tiers of government, and local industry.
The historic investment brings the total Federal and State Government funding to $20.5 million to install 27 new mobile base stations across, adding around 2,400 square kilometres of new 4G coverage.
The new towers will increase mobile coverage, wireless broadband, and data-sharing capabilities. Vitally, it will also provide additional Triple Zero connectivity for users of other networks in emergency situations.
This will enable more efficient communication and monitoring in the forestry, dairy, agricultural, winery, and wool industries, provide better services to tourists, and improve access to health services.
The project was developed in consultation with local councils, the South Australian Forest Products Association, Primary Producers SA, Grain Producers SA, the South-East Professional Fisherman's Association, RDA Limestone Coast, and the SA Country Fire Service.
The Albanese Labor Government's contribution is being delivered through the Regional Connectivity Program.
RCP Round 3 is awarding $115.23 million for 74 connectivity projects across Australia. Other South Australian projects receiving a Federal Government funding boost as part of the plan are NBN Fixed Wireless upgrades in Coober Pedy ($990,000) and Lock, Eyre Peninsula ($1.3 million).
Full lists of funded projects under RCP Round 3 and MBSP Round 7 are available at www.infrastructure.gov.au/rcp and www.infrastructure.gov.au/mbsp.
As put by Michelle Rowlands
It doesn't matter where you live, access to reliable mobile coverage and connectivity is 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.
This project will go a long way to supporting communities across the Limestone Coast access the mobile and data services they need.
As put by Peter Malinauskas
This funding for the Limestone Coast is an 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 also coming directly from local government and industry to make this project a reality.
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.
As put by Clare Scriven
I'm delighted that this unique collaboration between Federal, State and local governments, as well as industry has resulted in this fantastic outcome for the Limestone Coast.
Connectivity is essential for the growth of businesses, education, training and community wellbeing – this is an excellent outcome for our region.
As put by Independent Member for MacKillop Nick McBride
This exciting news is a major coup for our 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.
As stated by Independent Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell
This funding is the final puzzle piece in a 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.
