People living and working in Wudinna can look forward to faster NBN, moving from SkyMuster satellite to Fibre To The Premises through the Regional Connectivity Program.
Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said he had been concerned since the initial NBN rollout that Wudinna as a major service centre should have an upgraded service and is very pleased to announce that $1.8m under the $90 million Regional Connectivity Program will provide a Satellite to Fixed Line Technology solution.
The program will deliver 81 place-based digital connectivity solutions in regional Australiain locations that have previously been financially beyond the reach of current programs.
“In Wudinna a consortium partnership between the District Council and NBN Co will bring Fibre to the Premises NBN to 377 brownfield premises and a 1-2km distribution network extension,” Mr Ramsey. “The Regional Connectivity Program which is delivering $1.8m has been essential in bringing this project to fruition.”
“Residents and businesses can expect significant improvements to connectivity, access to online education and health services, expand economic opportunities and increase connectedness and digital capabilities.”
“Wudinna has been on my radar since the NBN rollout and previousIy the problem of back-haul capacity had proved to be the stopper. Congratulations to the council for not giving up and securing this funding for an upgrade.”
In total, three projects in Grey have been successful in securing $4.5m total Commonwealth funding-
Telstra’s Far North SA project will receive more than $2.5m to provide improved broadband and 4G services between Hawker and Leigh Creek including improved broadband to the Leigh Creek and Marree Aboriginal Schools and 4G small cells to communities of Dalhousie Springs, Yunyarinyi, Nyapari, Murputja, Kalka, Kanpi and Watinuma.
The Ernabella project with Commonwealth funding of $173,520, will upgrade of backhaul capacity to the existing Telstra mobile tower in Ernabella, providing improved coverage and user throughput speeds for the township and surrounding community.
Regional Communications Minister Mark Coulton, said the RCP is part of the Coalition Government’s ongoing commitment to bring the digital economy to the regions, complementing the National Broadband Network and the Mobile Black Spot Program.
“The Regional Connectivity Program is providing targeted upgrades to connectivity in regional areas that need it the most, ensuring that more Australians can access high-speed, reliable broadband and mobile services,” Minister Coulton said.
“The Government is listening to the digital needs of regional communities and businesses, and has used the RCP to design and deliver place-based solutions that solve rural connectivity issues.
“The Government has taken a collaborative approach in delivering the RCP and has engaged with the telecommunications industry and regional communities to make sure the funded projects are tailored to the needs and priorities of each region and are supported by the local community.”
The Federal Government is contributing $90.3 million to the RCP, generating total new investment of more than $164 million through co-contributions from funding recipients, state and territory governments and other third parties, such as local governments, regional businesses and community development organisations.
The program is a key component of the Government’s response to the 2018 Regional Telecommunications Review, and the delivery of successful projects under the program will begin in the coming weeks with projects expected to be completed by June 2022.
ENDS
Media Contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 08 8633 1744
April 15, 2021
