By Parker McKenzie
The Liberal Federal Government has committed to funding two mobile base stations to increase mobile connectivity in the Yarra Valley if reelected on May 21.
The projects are two of 66 announced for funding to address mobile black spots as a part of the Peri Urban Mobile Program, a pilot program announced in the 2021-22 budget. The proposed locations of the base stations are in Silvan and Menzies Creek.
Casey Liberal candidate Aaron Violi said he is pleased to announce the new mobile sites to improve coverage for the local community.
“Having lived here my whole life and having spoken with many residents since my endorsement as the Liberal candidate last year, I understand the communications challenges we have in Casey, which is why today’s announcement is such great news for our local communities.,” he said.
“If elected in May, I will continue to advocate strongly to improve mobile coverage and address black spots across the electorate.”
$28.2 million in funding has been promised for the 66 projects in 28 electorates around Australia. The cost of the individual projects ranges from $624,000 to $1.46 million.
Minister for Communications Paul Fletcher said the Federal Government is committed to improving mobile connectivity for people living in outer urban areas.
“Improving coverage on the urban fringe will help communities access vital information during emergencies, seek help if needed and stay in touched with loved ones.” he said.
$16.4 million of the funding was already allocated in the 2021-22 budget for the pilot program. Another $11.8 million has been allocated from the Federal Governments’ mobile blackspot program.
Blackspots and poor mobile coverage have been an issue for residents in the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley, and it was flagged as a key problem during the 2009 Victorian Royal Commission into bushfires.
In late 2021 Yarra Ranges Council introduced 10 trial sites for fixed installations of NBN disaster satellite services throughout the Valley and Dandenong Ranges, including in Monbulk, Olinda and The Patch.
The trials were funded through the Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disaster grant, a $37.1 million federal program. The service can be activated during and after an emergency to provide internet access for affected communities.
Connecting Victoria, a $550 million State Government project, is also aiming to fast-track business-grade broadband and upgrade mobile coverage throughout the region.
The Shadow Minister for Communications was contacted for comment.
