Mobile phone coverage across regional Western Australia will be improved thanks to a further $20 million investment over two years made possible by Royalties for Regions.
NATIONALS Member for the South West, Colin Holt MLC, said the funding would support a new mobile base station for Waroona North as well as 77 other sites to be constructed by Telstra and Optus across Western Australia.
“The new sites will be delivered under Round 2 of the Commonwealth’s Mobile Black Spot Program further improving mobile phone coverage in regional WA,” Mr Holt said.
“Improved telecommunications provide development opportunities for small businesses in remote areas and support other Royalties for Regions initiatives in tourism, transport and agriculture”.
“The State Government has invested more than $105 million in regional telecommunications since 2012, driving the construction of 344 new or upgraded mobile phone towers and small cell satellite installations in regional WA”.
“This project is a result of successful collaboration with the Commonwealth and industry, which will support other Royalties for Regions initiatives and narrow the digital divide by eliminating mobile black spots at prioritised locations.”
The Nationals WA Candidate for Murray Wellington Paul Gillett said Royalties for Regions investment in telecommunications ensures that people living, working and travelling in regional areas of the state have access to key services.
“Royalties for Regions is playing a significant role in transforming regional WA and I look forward to seeing this investment bring greater social and economic benefits to the area,” Mr Holt said.
Full list of sites attached. For more information, visit: http://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/regionalmobilecommunications
For media enquiries please contact Office of Colin Holt MLC on (08) 9724 1181
