Applications for the Australian Government’s $53 million Regional Connectivity Program are now open.
The Program will provide targeted investment in local telecommunications infrastructure projects to maximise economic and social opportunities in regional, rural, and remote communities across the country.
Federal Member for Durack, the Hon Melissa Price, is encouraging telecommunications providers, regional communities, regional development organisations, as well as state, territory and local governments to collaborate and apply for funding through the Program.
“We are taking a ‘place‑based’ approach to investment through the Program because we recognise our regions make an enormous contribution to our economy nationally but have distinct digital needs that require custom solutions,” Ms Price said.
The Program complements the National Broadband Network rollout which is delivering fast, affordable broadband to all Australians, and the Mobile Black Spot Program, which is switching on reliable mobile coverage in rural and remote areas.
Examples of projects that could be funded under the Program include upgrades to mobile infrastructure to improve community access to telehealth, remote education and retail internet and phone services, or the development of enterprise-grade broadband networks to support local agricultural, manufacturing and tourism businesses to engage more competitively online.
Minister for Regional Communications, Mark Coulton, said potential applicants should work together to develop projects for funding to maximise the benefits for communities.
“Collaboration is an excellent method to give an application real ‘bite’. We are looking for projects that will provide the most profound benefit to local communities,” Minister Coulton said.
All interested parties are encouraged to use the Program Noticeboard to share resources and expertise on projects and work together to improve connectivity for regional communities.
The online Program Noticeboard provides a portal for collaboration where applicants can find and register potential projects, linking regional communities and industry providers.
Applications are open until 20 October 2020 (5:00pm AEDT). The guidelines and application process is available on the Government’s central grants website: www.grants.gov.au
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Media contact:
Rose Crane 0427 587 395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au