Educational needs and emergency services, as well as areas experiencing high seasonal tourism demand, have been targeted as priority areas for the latest round of mobile black spot funding.
They’re a feature of the latest call for nominations for locations, made last week by federal regional services minister, Bridget McKenzie.
Better Internet for Rural Regional and Remote Australia spokewoman, Kristy Sparrow, welcomed the announcement that round four of the program, investing another $25 million in eliminating mobile black spots around Australia, was now open.
“It’s really pleasing to see priority being given to education, emergency services and tourism, which is something we pushed for,” she said.
“Take the Mistake Creek School for example (110km north east of Alpha and 70km west of Clermont) – accidents do occur along that road and there’s a school bus run, so that’s very much a safety issue.
“It’s also a central hub for that area – they hold all their meetings there and it’s an evacuation point.”
Ms McKenzie said the announcement affirmed the coalition government’s commitment to delivering 21st century communications in the regions, saying it was changing lives for many.
“We’re taking a targeted approach this time around to deliver a clear economic benefit.
“We are calling on state, territory and local governments, as well as our parliamentary colleagues, to nominate mobile black spot areas in their region where economic as well as social benefits can be realised.
“Round four will also target improved mobile coverage for medical, educational and emergency services facilities, as well as along key transport routes and in towns that experience seasonal demand due to tourism.”
Kristy said that BIRRR and other regional stakeholders had emphasised that the latest funding should be about more than economic need.
She also hoped stakeholders, such as local councils, the state government, carriers and large infrastructure users, would show positive interest in co-contributions to boost the funding opportunity and secure something that would make a real difference.
Unlike round three, when the community could make nominations directly to a webpage, the government has reverted to the system of having federal MPs make the nominations, based on feedback from their electorates.
Related: Community-reported black spot map
In addition, local, territory and state governments can identify locations for this round of the $220 million program, which so far has delivered more than 600 of a total 867 base stations announced under the first three rounds of the program.
More than $680 million has been generated in co-investment from state and local governments, carriers, businesses and local communities to date.
“I hope MPs will put a lot of thought into the locations, consolidating the benefits around their electorates,” Kristy said.
Prioritise Queensland: AgForce call
AgForce’s telecommunications committee chairwoman, Georgie Somerset, has called on the federal government to make Queensland locations a high priority in the next round of the mobile black spot program, to drive regional development.
"Queensland is the most decentralised state in Australia, and the need for more affordable and reliable phone and internet services is one of the biggest issues for people living, working and travelling in the bush," she said.
AgForce would be lobbying for funding to go to parts of Queensland that missed out in earlier rounds.
"The previous rounds have seen mobile coverage improvements to remote locations such as Injinoo at the top of the cape and around Quilpie in the south west, with the funding making a big difference to the people in these communities," Ms Somerset said.
"We'll be encouraging our members to identify black spots in their areas and to engage in the process, as improved coverage would result in improved farm productivity and profitability.
"With Queensland now the most valuable agricultural state in Australia and technology transforming the way we farm, investing in improved mobile phone coverage will help our industry."