General News
6 October, 2022
Major funding to boost local mobile coverage
Maryborough and surrounds is set to get better mobile coverage as part of new funding from the State Government’s Connecting Victoria program. On Wednesday the government announced $250 million to deliver 1108 mobile infrastructure projects to...
Maryborough and surrounds is set to get better mobile coverage as part of new funding from the State Government’s Connecting Victoria program.
On Wednesday the government announced $250 million to deliver 1108 mobile infrastructure projects to give communities better mobile coverage across 23,500 square kilometres.
Partnering with Axicom, ENE.HUB, Optus, Telstra and TPG Telecom, the program will deliver 309 new mobile towers, upgrade 492 existing towers to 5G, adapt 170 so they can be used by multiple telco providers and make 137 towers more resilient during natural disasters by 2026.
“This massive program will make Victoria the best-connected state, helping local businesses create the jobs and industries of the future,” Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford said.
“Over two million households will have faster speeds for healthcare, school, work and staying in touch with loved ones.”
New towers will be built for Maryborough which will also benefit surrounding communities including Amherst, Carisbrook, Daisy Hill, Majorca, Talbot and Timor.
Central Goldfields Shire mayor Chris Meddows-Taylor said mobile connectivity is an “essential part” of council’s growth goal.
“Although council is still unpacking the details as they emerge, overall the announcement is a fantastic win for our shire from the Victorian Government, with so many locations designated for new mobile towers,” he said.
“Mobile and digital connectivity has been core in council’s advocacy. It is an essential part of our growth goal.”
Labor candidate for Ripon Martha Haylett said improved connectivity will be a huge boost to local communities.
“This is a game changer for many of our communities — including Maryborough, Talbot, Carisbrook, and surrounding areas,” she said.
“The new mobile towers will improve connectivity and community safety, and strengthen our local economies too.
“It will make it easier for locals to run a business, work or learn from home, get in touch with loved ones, or seek help in emergencies.”