Residents of Bullio and Canyonleigh in New South Wales will soon be better connected following a successful application for funding to maximise the existing network and ensure greater reliability and capacity under Round 2 of the Regional Connectivity Program.

Minister for Regional Communications, Bridget McKenzie, said these projects form part of the Coalition Government’s continued roll-out of the $257 million Regional Connectivity Program (RCP).

“Through Round 1 of the RCP, the Coalition Government funded more than 130 projects in regional, rural and remote communities, including 2 projects in the electorate of Hume and the Round 2 projects build on the government’s past investment in the program,” Minister McKenzie said.

“I’m very pleased that residents, business and visitors to will soon be able to enjoy the benefits and opportunities of greater capacity and reliability of their mobile, voice and data connectivity. 

“The upgrade will support local businesses and community facilities, as well as enabling increased residential access to essential services such as telehealth and education.

“Digital connectivity is an essential part of how we work, learn, stay healthy and remain in contact with loved ones. The Coalition will continue to invest in this critical infrastructure as part of our plan for a strong economy and stronger future.

“The Coalition Government has continued to take a collaborative approach with the telecommunications industry, and our regional and remote communities, to make sure that the funded projects are tailored to the needs of each region. 

“By contrast, Labor has not funded a single mobile tower in regional Australia, in fact they have recently announced an Albanese led government will cut $155 million from the budget for regional communications.”

Federal Member for Hume, Angus Taylor, welcomed the $84,000 investment for the area under Round Two of the Regional Connectivity Program.

“This is a welcome investment in our region. These projects will deliver improved and more reliable mobile services so locals have better access to essential services such as telehealth and education services,” Mr Taylor said.

“Only a Coalition Government will back our regions through improving regional connectivity.”

Regional Connectivity Program Round 2 Projects in Hume: 

Bullio – Hume ($26,000)
The project will upgrade the Ace Internet Services fixed wireless network in the Bullio area of the Southern Highlands, maximising the existing network and ensuring greater reliability and capacity.

Canyonleigh – Hume ($58,000)
The project will upgrade the Ace Internet Services fixed wireless network and its corresponding backhaul along Tuggalong Road in the Canyonleigh area of the Southern Highlands, maximising the existing network and ensuring greater reliability and capacity. 

The Coalition Government’s track record of delivering regional communications in Hume:
Mobile Blackspot Program
Under the program, 25 mobile base stations have been funded to be deployed in the electorate. To date 19 base stations are complete and now on air. The Coalition Government has committed $3.6 million under the program to date in the electorate of Hume to deliver new and improved mobile coverage. 
In the Hume electorate, the Coalition funding has leveraged a total investment of $11.9 million, including co-contributions from the mobile carriers, state and local governments, and community organisations.

Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND)
In the electorate of Hume, 11 base stations have received funding under the Mobile Network Hardening Program (MNHP) to receive at least 12 hours back-up power. The battery back-up at all of these base stations is now complete.

Under the STAND package, the Coalition Government is upgrading telecommunications connectivity at fire service depots and evacuation centres across Australia to support their essential work. This Involves the Installation of NBN Co Sky Muster satellites at rural and country fire service depots and designated evacuation centres. There are 2 locations in Hume that have received funding.
More information about the Program is available at: http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/rcp   
Only the Coalition has a plan to continue delivering a strong economy and a stronger future for Regional Australia.