The Albanese Government is working to deliver on its election commitment to improve communications resilience on the Central Coast, by launching a process to upgrade the existing Telstra mobile tower at Yarramalong.
Delivered under the Mobile Networking Hardening Program, the grant will provide up to $140,000 to improve mobile network resilience in the area against power outages, including during natural disasters. The funding will contribute towards the costs of deploying a permanent, on-site generator.
This will ensure continuity of Telstra mobile services to the local community for a minimum of 24 hours in the event of a mains power outage, supporting public safety communications and access to essential digital services.
Telstra will be called on to submit a proposal to upgrade the base station in line with the guidelines released today. Funding will be awarded if the proposal complies with the guidelines and is assessed as achieving value for money by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.
The final outcome is expected to be announced towards the end of 2023.
To access the guidelines, visit: Mobile Network Hardening Program | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
"Staying connected during a natural disaster can be the difference between life and death - whether that be contacting emergency services, receiving the latest information, or checking-in with friends and family.
"While no communications network can ever be 100 per cent resilient, the Albanese Government is determined to do what we can to keep telco infrastructure up and running during disasters.
"In releasing these guidelines, our Government has taken the next step to deliver on its election commitment to the people of Yarramalong to keep them safe and connected during emergencies".
Quotes attributable to the Member for Dobell, the Hon Emma McBride MP:
"Reliable and resilient telecommunications infrastructure is critical for the safety of our Central Coast communities."
"Upgrades to the Yarramalong tower will help to keep locals safer, better connected and informed during times of crisis and natural disasters which are on the rise."
"The launch of this grants process demonstrates how the Albanese Government is delivering improved, targeted communications infrastructure on the ground, particularly in regional Australia."
