Leanne Enoch
June 14, 2016
The State Government will top up Round 2 of the Federal Government’s $60 million Mobile Black Spot Program with an added $15 million from the 2016-17 Budget.
The Federal Government announced Round 2 in February.
Applications from mobile network operators and infrastructure providers close on July 14 with the locations to be funded expected to be announced in the second half of this year.
Small Business Minister Leeanne Enoch said Queensland had contributed an extra $10 million to Round 1 of the program.
“Today’s announcement will be welcome news to many Queenslanders including those in rural and remote areas who are living with the daily challenge of having poor mobile phone reception,” Ms Enoch said.
“Communities from Eulo in the State’s south west to Darnley Island in the Torres Strait benefited from funding in Round 1 … and this new funding will ensure even more communities are connected.
“Securing funding for 68 mobile towers from Round 1 of the black spot program was a strong outcome, however, there are still many mobile black spot areas throughout Queensland that need to be addressed.”
Work is continuing on the rollout of new and improved towers funded under Round 1 with all sites scheduled to be completed by the end of 2018.\
Budget Wrap-Up:
