Federal Nationals Member for Lyne, Dr David Gillespie, has announced funding of $1.972 million to upgrade telecommunications infrastructure along the Pacific Highway corridor around Moorland and Raleigh.
Dr David Gillespie said Telstra would undertake the improvements after securing the funds under Round 3 of the Regional Connectivity Program.
The project will provide two new macro mobile base stations providing improved coverage and capacity along sections of the Pacific Highway at Raleigh, Coopernook, and surrounding areas.
“This funding will significantly improve mobile voice and data speeds, as well as coverage around these locations,” Dr Gillespie said.
In last year’s April Budget, the former Nationals Government allocated record funding to improve regional telecommunications through the Regional Connectivity and Mobile Black Spots programs.
“In government, The Nationals created these important programs to improve mobile coverage and telecommunications connectivity across regional Australia, and for many locations across our region they have been critical,” Dr Gillespie said.
“Unfortunately, we have seen these programs politicised by the Albanese government and the Auditor-General is now investigating the decisions made in relation to a recent round of funding under the Black Spot program,” Dr Gillespie said.
“Regional Australia relies heavily on communications in order to access services commonly available in metropolitan and larger urban areas and decisions about funding should be based on need,” he said.