The Government's decision to halt future funding for the Mobile Black Spot Program and other crucial regional communication initiatives has raised major concerns among regional communities and rural areas.
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, highlights the consequences that communities could face without mobile connectivity, especially in emergencies, due to the Government’s lack of funding for other key regional communications infrastructure programs
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, said the axing of the Mobile Black Spot in 2026/27 is a major blow for regional communities, with zero dollars allocated for 2027/28.
“For the people of Dawson, there are whole communities that do not have access to mobile connectivity, and some people have to leave their home just to get reception.
“In 2024, how is this good enough? This isn’t just so people can call friends and family for a chat, we’re talking about real life emergency situations where people are getting stranded.”
The Government has also cut funding for the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, which covers funding for a range of programs including on-farm connectivity and the Regional Tech Hub.
“It’s no wonder that people in regional Australian communities are feeling isolated.
“It’s no surprise that the Auditor-General is carrying out an investigation into Round 6 funding of the Mobile Black Spot Program and we look forward to the report later this month.
Funding for the Better Connectivity Plan will more than double in the lead up to the election from $101.8 million in 2023/24 to $228.4 million in 2024/25. Funding for the Mobile Black Spot Program will nearly triple ahead of the poll day, from $17.5 million in 2023/24 to $45.9 million in 2024/25. But all three programs receive zero funding in 2027/28.
“Improving connectivity for people in both the bush and those living on the outskirts of major cities is critical and shouldn’t be at the whim of the governments political strategy,” Mr Willcox said.
Federal Member for Dawson, Andrew Willcox, sheds light on the dire repercussions for rural communities amidst the cessation of funding for vital communication programs like the Mobile Black Spot Program. Image supplied
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