End for black spots
A better connection for the bush
FEDERAL Minister for Rural Services Bridget McKenzie has announced $220 million for regional communication, answering the call from rural Australians.
Part of this package, $160 million, is for rounds four and five of the Mobile Black Spot Program.
The Mobile Black Spot Program brings together co-contributions from state and local governments and mobile network operators to invest in telecommunication infrastructure in regional, rural and remote Australia.
The locations of 26 new base stations for regional Queensland were also announced, including Jimbour near Dalby, and Glenmorgan in the middle of the Maranoa.
AgForce general president Georgie Somerset said these developments would help keep farmers safe and connected in the paddock.
“Investing in improved mobile phone coverage is critical to help Queensland farmers adopt new farming technologies that will help our industry to continue to produce green, clean and ethical food and fibre,” she said.
“Access to affordable, reliable phone and internet services is one of the biggest issues for those living, working and travelling in the bush.”
NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee chair Garry Grant said the association welcomed the investment as a means to significantly improve the ability to engage in the digital world, regardless of location.
“The recent investments in connectivity since the release of the 2018 Regional Telecommunications Review report, indicates that the government finally appreciates the value the agricultural sector has on the wider Australian economy and socially within regional communities,” Mr Grant said.
He said participation in the digital world was no longer a luxury in regional areas, it was an integral part of everyday life.
“If our agricultural sector is to compete in a global market, farmers need to be able to live their lives and conduct their businesses with the support of technology connectivity in a manner that is equitable to engage global information and markets.”
It is expected that the
❝their Farmers need to be able to live lives and conduct their businesses with the support of technology connectivity...
mobile coverage base stations announced in round four will be operational by the second half of 2019.
Another $60 million has been allocated towards a regional connectivity program, including a digital tech hub to improve digital literacy.
The hub will provide those in rural and regional areas with vital independent information about the choices of digital technologies and applications.
Currently, there is confusion and concern among regional consumers about the most appropriate services to meet their needs.
“AgForce looks forward to participating to ensure the guidelines of the hub reflect what farmers and their families have been seeking in order to ensure their digital needs are met,” Mrs Somerset said.
“The hub needs to be developed and delivered by industry to make sure it maintains the quality established by Better Internet for Rural, Regional and Remote Australia.”
BIRRR’s Kristy Sparrow said she was excited about the hub.
“BIRRR has been calling for this for a long-time,” she said.
“I’d like to thank the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee for their recommendations, and Senator McKenzie for listening.
“The tech hub is essential. As a volunteer group we cannot be expected to provide support for those in rural areas right around Australia.”
— Garry Grant