Minister for Regional Communications, Senator Bridget McKenzie, has welcomed the switch on of 29 new mobile base stations during February, thanks to the Australian Government’s $220 million Mobile Black Spot Program.
“The base stations are delivering new mobile coverage to 29 regional communities and towns in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria,” Minister McKenzie said.
“It’s exciting to watch the pace of the rollout, knowing that the progress we are making each month is delivering real benefits to regional and remote communities across the country.”
“I am passionate about improving telecommunications in regional and remote areas so people have access to the services they need to stay connected.”
“This is why the Mobile Black Spot Program is so important for our regions, it is helping more people to stay in touch with family and friends, access education services remotely and conduct business.”
Rounds 1 and 2 of the program will deliver a total of 765 new base stations to address black spot areas across Australia.
The Government’s commitment includes $60 million for a third round of the program targeting 125 pre-announced priority black spot locations.
The competitive tender process for the Priority Locations Round closed in December 2017. The successful applicants and locations to receive funding are expected to be announced shortly.
For more information about the program visit: www.communications.gov.au/mbsp
List of activated sites in February 2018
Location name and State
Niemur, NSW
Barry, NSW
Mumbil, NSW
Yarramalong, NSW
Balala, NSW
Baldersleigh, NSW
Comboyne B, NSW
Windera, QLD
Irvinebank, QLD
Landsborough Highway, between Blackall and Tambo, QLD
Moonie, QLD
Ravensbourne, QLD
Cungena, SA
Sheringa, SA
Bradys Lake, TAS
Bonang, VIC
Buffalo River, VIC
Eganstown, VIC
Butchers Ridge, VIC
Carrajung Lower, VIC
Killingworth, VIC
Omeo Highway, VIC
Wartook Valley, VIC
Wongoondy Tardun Road, WA
Needilup, WA
Bulyee, WA
Kondut, WA
Wogerlin Hill, WA
Yallallie, WA