Improving connections for regional victorians

The Andrews Labor Government helping local business and communities receive better mobile coverage, thanks to the rollout of more than 200 mobile base stations around the state.

The 200th station was recently activated in Knowsley, east of Bendigo, improving reception in and around the community for residents, businesses and tourists.

As part of the program, receptions have also been boosted throughout the Macedon electorate, with twelve sites installed in the local area.

The new base stations have improved reception in towns including Benloch, Benloch East, Blackwood, Bullarto, Denver, Edgecombe, Eganstown, Glenlyon, Leonards Hill, Monegeetta, Pipers Creek and Redesdale.

Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford said upgrading reception across the region has also improved safety by allowing people to contact emergency services in more locations.

Since 2014, the Labor Government has invested $56 million to improve mobile coverage around the state.

In November, the Government committed $300 million to improve mobile connectivity across the state to remove blackspots and help more Victorians get connected.

Digital connectivity will be a core part of the state’s economic recovery, with the Government committed to improving online access to as many people as possible.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford
"Victorians in regional areas deserve to have reliable mobile coverage. It helps connect residents, support businesses and attract tourists, allowing the local economy to grow and thrive."

"Getting rid of black spots in places across Macedon also makes communities much safer when natural disasters hit."

Quote attributable to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
"We know that our region is bushfire-prone, so reliable mobile coverage is so important for communities across Macedon."