Residents and businesses across Birregurra are in for a major boost to broadband connectivity with the Morrison Government investing $5.7 million to upgrade Fixed Wireless to Fibre to the Premises internet services.
After campaigning over so many years for better mobile reception and broadband connectivity in Birregurra, Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson says this investment represents a major win for local families, small business operators, school students and tourists.
“Digital connectivity is vital for people across regional Victoria to do business, work and raise a family, and it’s the Morrison Government who are bringing this $5.7 million upgrade to Birregurra,” Senator Henderson said.
“I am absolutely delighted that residents and businesses in Birregurra will enjoy the benefits and opportunities that improved digital connectivity brings,” Senator Henderson said.
“I want to thank the Birregurra community who has worked with me on this vitally important issue. This investment in fibre to the premise broadband demonstrates, once again, the Morrison Government’s determination to stand up for regional communities.
“Whether it’s the duplication of the Princes Highway, the upgrade of the Birregurra Mechanics Hall or faster and more reliable broadband, I am extremely proud that the Morrison Government is delivering so much for the people of Birregurra,” Senator Henderson said.
Federal Regional Communications Minister Mark Coulton said the Government was listening to the needs of regional communities and businesses and was pleased to see the RCP being used to support the design and delivery place-based solutions which solved rural connectivity issues.
“This next tranche of projects under the Regional Connectivity Program will make a difference on the ground for local communities,” Minister Coulton said.
“I am pleased with the quality of projects being put forward which are tailored to the needs of each region and are supported by the community; a result of a collaborative approach between the telecommunications industry, businesses, regional communities and local councils.
“This investment will provide targeted uplifts to connectivity in the regional areas which need it the most, ensuring that more Australians can access high-speed, reliable broadband and mobile services,” Minister Fletcher said.
The Federal Government is contributing a total of $117.4 million (GST inclusive) to the first round of the RCP, generating total new investment of more than $232 million (GST inclusive) through co-contributions from funding recipients, state and territory governments and other third parties, such as local governments, regional businesses and community development organisations.
In addition, the Government has made further funding of $105.8 million available for a second round of the program and will call for applications later this year, following consultation of program guidelines.
The delivery of successful projects under the Program will begin shortly with most projects to be completed by June 2022.
More information about the RCP is available at: communications.gov.au/what-we-do/internet/regional-connectivity-program
14 June 2021