The Hon Mark Coulton MP
Minister for Regional Health, Regional Communications and Local Government
The Hon Michelle Landry MP
Federal Member for Capricornia
Assistant Minister for Children & Families
Assistant Minister for Northern Australia
Capricornia residents are encouraged to have their say on the design of the next round of the Government’s highly successful Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP) to ensure it continues to improve coverage for regional communities.
When outcomes of Round 5 of the program were announced, the Government released a discussion paper on design options for Round 5A, to test a range of new approaches to the delivery of the Mobile Black Spot Program to ensure it continues to be fit-for-purpose.
Minister for Regional Communications, Mark Coulton, said the program has already delivered a great deal for regional communities.
“The first five rounds of the MBSP have generated more than $830 million total investment, funding 1,229 new towers, with more than 800 of those already delivering improved coverage.
“The Coalition Government understands the importance of connectivity to regional communities, so we’re getting on with the job of building more phone towers to deliver more coverage”.
Michelle Landry MP said the release of the discussion paper is a great opportunity for regional Australians to have their say on how the program can best deliver the mobile coverage they need into the future.
“The Coalition Government is committed to delivering improved coverage and choice for Australians in regional and remote areas.
“With $46 million on the table for Round 5A and a further $80 million committed for Round 6, the MBSP has plenty more to do.
“In order to deliver this, it is vital we receive feedback on proposed changes from a broad regional audience,” Michelle Landry MP said.
The discussion paper proposes a series of changes to the eligibility guidelines for the program so that it continues to deliver high-value outcomes to regional and remote Australia.
The paper proposes three main objectives for round 5A; to:
- Improve coverage in areas prone to natural disasters including bushfires;
- Improve coverage along major regional and remote transport corridors; and to
- Trial new technology solutions in areas where low population densities have discouraged applications in previous rounds.
To have your say, visit: https://bit.ly/2yUkJk4
The discussion paper is open for submissions until 19 June 2020.
