MEDIA RELEASE
THE HON SHAYNE NEUMANN MP, FEDERAL MEMBER FOR BLAIR
Mobile and broadband providers now have more time to work with local communities to apply for the latest rounds of the Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP) and Regional Connectivity Program (RCP) grants programs, with the closing date extended to 11 August 2023 by the Federal Government.
This will allow applicants additional time to work with local communities, councils and the Queensland Government to develop digital connectivity solutions for regional communities.
A total of $160 million has been set aside for the two streams, including $110 million under Round 3 of the RCP and $50 million under Round 7 of the MBSP.
The extension of the closing date responds to requests and inquiries from telecommunications providers, state governments and councils, and will allow applicants additional time to review the standard funding agreements that will be available on the GrantConnect website shortly.
Telcos, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), councils, community groups, Members of Parliament and other interested parties are encouraged to work together during the now extended application development period to develop multi-carrier mobile solutions. This will ensure that communities receive the maximum benefit from public funding of new infrastructure.
These programs are part of the Albanese Labor Government’s Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, which is providing more than $1.1 billion to rural and regional communities, including $656 million to improve mobile and broadband connectivity and resilience in rural and regional Australia.
To apply before the new closing date, visit GrantConnect at grants.gov.au and search for Grant Opportunity GO6185.
In addition to these programs, local residents and councils are encouraged to have their say on new draft guidelines for the next $20 million round of the Peri-Urban Mobile Program (PUMP) that aims to improve mobile coverage on the urban fringes of communities.
Peri-urban fringes like Willowbank and Ripley around Ipswich – where the bush meets the edges of the suburbs – create significant challenges for communications infrastructure and natural disaster risks for those living and working in these communities.
These communities are sometimes underserved because of their high cost, difficult terrain, planning challenges including in National Parks, and lower population densities.
PUMP targets longstanding mobile coverage and connectivity issues for impacted peri-urban communities by co-investing with mobile network operators on local projects.
The Albanese Government has expanded eligibility for PUMP in response to clear community feedback – including to peri-urban fringes of additional major cities and regional centres, including Toowoomba and the Sunshine Coast.
A Project Noticeboard has been established as part of the consultation process to help local councils and community groups identify mobile coverage and reception in the peri-urban fringe, and form partnerships with the telecommunications sector to develop applications for funding.
Local councils and community groups are invited to upload their project proposals to the Noticeboard throughout the application period. The Noticeboard will be open until applications for Round 2 close.
PUMP complements the work of the Albanese Government to increase telecommunications and broadcasting disaster resilience across Australia, including through the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, the $20 million Broadcasting Resilience Program to safeguard ABC broadcast towers and $15 million Mobile Network Hardening Program.
For more information on the PUMP, visit infrastructure.gov.au/pump. To view the draft grant opportunity guidelines or to make a submission, visit infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said the Albanese Labor Government was committed to narrowing the digital divide and keeping communities connected along our peri-urban fringes, and in regional and rural areas in his electorate.
“This is why we are extending the closing date for the combined MBSP and RCP grants, and expanding the eligibility for the next round of the PUMP to cover more communities across Ipswich, the Somerset Region and Karana Downs area.
“We are committed to improving mobile coverage and internet connectivity for business operators, families keeping in touch with loved ones, and communities trying to stay connected during emergencies.
“I encourage the telecommunications industry to work together with councils and community groups to deliver strong applications for the MBSP and RCP programs, and to have their say to ensure the PUMP guidelines best meets the needs of our communities.”
