The Hon Kristy McBain
Member for Eden-Monaro
The Snowy Valleys town of Tooma will have access to improved digital connectivity with the completion of a Telstra Mobile Base Station under the Australian Government’s Regional Connectivity Program (RCP).
The newly built Mobile Base Station has significantly improved the Tooma region’s mobile coverage and connectivity, thanks to the RCP, along with a significant fundraising effort by the Tooma community.
The local community will benefit from improved access to telehealth, education services and public safety communications following the upgrade of NBN access technology from Sky Muster satellite to Fibre to the Premises.
Tooma resident and champion fundraiser MaryAnne Rossi said “for us, especially given climate change and the impending bushfire season, we are feeling a lot more comfortable knowing we’ll be able to communicate in times of emergencies. Which doesn’t take away from the day-to-day phone calls we’re able to make now that this tower is a reality.”
This upgrade to connectivity will also enable growth opportunities in a number of sectors, including tourism.
The Australian Government has contributed $1,461,663 to the project, along with contributions from NBN Co Limited and funds from Tooma residents.
The Regional Connectivity Program is funding the delivery of 'place-based' telecommunications infrastructure projects to improve digital connectivity across regional, rural and remote Australia.
The Albanese Government announced a further two rounds of the program in the October 2022-23 Federal Budget as part of its Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia.
The plan is providing $656 million to improve mobile and broadband connectivity and resilience in rural and regional Australia, with $200 million of this package allocated to the two new rounds.
This project was delivered under Round 2 of the program, which is providing $115.9 million for 130 projects across Australia.
For more information on the Better Connectivity Plan visit https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/better-connectivity-plan-regional-and-rural-australia
For more information on the Regional Connectivity Program visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/rcp.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
“The Albanese Government’s Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia delivers on commitments to improve the digital quality-of-life and bridge the digital divide for Australians – no matter where they live.
“This $656 million plan forms part of our $2.2 billion investment in regional telecommunications over the next five years. Our plan will ensure communities like those in Tooma – which deserve first class infrastructure like the project we have delivered today - can reach their potential.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Eden-Monaro and Minister for Regional Development Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain:
“It’s great to see the Albanese Government delivering on its commitment in our electorate, to better connect more Australian families, businesses, and communities than ever before, including through projects like this one, and its broader investment in regional Australia.
“Projects like this provide important, improved communications services to communities like Tooma, helping to keep the community connected through better mobile phone service and broadband. I look forward to seeing how the community can take advantage of this project and further rounds of the program in the future.”
