General News
4 February, 2024
Connectivity cash all around but not in Loddon
BILLIONS of dollars have been invested in telecommunications improvements over the past decade. The bulk is coming from the Federal Government through two funding programs, the State Government now has its Connecting Victoria program and the telcos...
BILLIONS of dollars have been invested in telecommunications improvements over the past decade.
The bulk is coming from the Federal Government through two funding programs, the State Government now has its Connecting Victoria program and the telcos say they are making their own investments.
But apart from an upgrade at Korong Vale that resident Helen Milne says has made an improvement, during the summer floods she said internet connection was terrible.
An analysis of the federal Mobile Phone Black Spot Program since 2015 shows just 13 new towers or upgrades in the Mallee electorate. The closest to the Loddon were at Lake Meran, Bealiba and a site on the Calder Highway in adjoining Buloke Shire.
There’s been nothing for Mallee communities since round four - three rounds have since been funded.
The Regional Connectivity program has by-passed Loddon communities and areas in the Mallee electorate close to Victoria’s largest inland city Bendigo.
At the same time there’s been hundreds of thousands of dollars for NBN improvements at Rushworth, a new macro mobile site at Kennedys Point near Lake Eildon and at Bullengarook.
The second round had $1.1 million to “deploy seven new macro mobiles sites and fibre backhaul to the east of Bendigo” at Fosterville Mine, Axedale, Goornong, Knowsley, Colbinabbin, Toolleen Sports Club and Heathcote Raceway. There was also $2.6 million to improve handheld coverage to the Wimmera Southern Mallee.
Round three of the program late last year gave out $115.2 million in Commonwealth funding for the delivery of 74 place-based telecommunications infrastructure projects across Australia.
Healesville, Rokewood, Tren-tham, Boonie Doon and Chum Creek were Victorian projects funded.
Loddon Shire’s bid for a share of the telecommunications pie was rejected.
The Victorian Government has promised investment to improve mobile connection across central Victoria.
A 2022 announcement confirmed a partnership with telcos Optus and TPG Telecom to build a new tower and upgrade 13 mobile towers in the area from 4G to 5G .
“Coverage will span Golden Square, Flora Hill and Kennington, as well as Epsom, Eaglehawk and Kangaroo Flat, and out to Newbridge, Ravenswood, Huntly North and Ladys Pass,” the Government said. “The work will be carried out between 2023 and 2025. It will deliver improved services across more than 355 square kilometres in Bendigo, benefiting more than 100,000 premises.”
Newbridge residents say they are yet to experience improved connection.