Improved digital connectivity for the Riverina

People living and working in the Cootamundra-Gundagai, Hilltops and Snowy Valleys Local Government Areas (LGA) can now look forward to new and improved telecommunications services thanks to the Federal Government’s Regional Connectivity Program (RCP).

Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack today said local company Wi-Sky had been awarded a total of $479,000 through RCP to boost connectivity in the three LGAs ( $278,000 in the Hilltops LGA and $201,000 in the Cootamundra-Gundagai and Snowy Valleys LGAs).

Mr McCormack said the Wi-Sky projects were among 81 place-based solutions to digital connectivity issues in the regions through a range of mobile and broadband services made possible by the $90 million program.

The Wi-Sky project in Cootamundra-Gundagai and Snowy Valleys LGAs will boost connectivity by creating an extended fixed wireless network comprising 21 low-impact interlinked ‘poles’ to provide high-speed residential and enterprise broadband services across the neighbouring LGAs.

The Hilltops project will boost connectivity by creating an extended fixed wireless network comprising 28 low-impact interlinked ‘poles’ to provide high-speed broadband services across the LGA. It will improve connectivity over a wide area which currently has limited existing broadband and mobile phone coverage.

The projects will provide people in those communities access to improved broadband services and data, delivering fast, affordable and reliable connectivity.

“No matter where they live, connectivity is vital to people for so many reasons, whether it’s to stay in touch with friends and family, run a business, study or to reach out for help in an emergency, so I’m delighted the Government is delivering this improved service,” Mr McCormack said.

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said the RCP was part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to bring the digital economy to the regions, complementing the National Broadband Network and the Mobile Black Spot Program.

“The Regional Connectivity Program is providing targeted upgrades to connectivity in regional areas that need it the most, ensuring that more Australians can access high-speed, reliable broadband and mobile services,” Mr Fletcher said.

Federal Regional Communications Minister Mark Coulton said the Government was listening to the digital needs of regional communities and businesses and had used the RCP to design and deliver place-based solutions which solved rural connectivity issues.

“The Government has taken a collaborative approach in delivering the RCP and has engaged with the telecommunications industry and regional communities to make sure the funded projects are tailored to the needs and priorities of each region and are supported by the local community,” Mr Coulton said.

The Federal Government is contributing $90.3 million to the RCP, generating total new investment of more than $180 million through co-contributions from funding recipients, State and Territory governments and other third parties, such as local governments, regional businesses and community development organisations.

Wi-Sky managing director Jock Graham welcomed news of the grants.

“I am sincerely grateful the Government has taken the opportunity to support smaller, regional-based telecommunications companies which can offer great services,” Mr Graham said.

“Wi-Sky has grown its small network from Gundagai to now covering more than two million hectares in southern NSW.

“These grants are a win for remote and regional communities.”

The program is a key component of the Government’s response to the 2018 Regional Telecommunications Review and the delivery of successful projects under the program will begin in the coming weeks with projects expected to be completed by June 2022.

More detail on individual projects will be announced over coming weeks.

Shane Manning