The federal Government is encouraging local businesses and government bodies in the Wannon region to apply for funding from the new $53 million Regional Connectivity Program.
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The program, which opened applications on Tuesday, aims to bring businesses and community organisations together in a collaborative effort to improve the region's communication infrastructure where it is most needed.
According to the government, the goal is to maximise social and economic opportunities in regional areas like Wannon.
The government highlighted potential projects that could benefit from the fund include improving mobile services for remote community members and strengthening broadband internet infrastructure for local businesses.
"We are taking a 'place-based' approach to investment through the program because we recognise that regions such as Wannon have distinct digital needs and in some cases require customised solutions to complement existing infrastructure," Minister for Communication and Cyber Security Paul Fletcher said.
Regional Communication Minister Mark Coulton said he hoped that the collaboration effort central to the program will ensure the fund will be effectively distributed.
"We are looking for projects that will provide the most profound benefit to local communities and by joining forces, I'm confident we will see many great solutions come from the bush to improve services in the bush," he said.
The Government has established an online program noticeboard for applicants to begin to collaborate on proposals.
Education Minister and Member for Wannon Dan Tehan said he hoped the online portal would become a hub for regional community members to work together.
"I encourage applicants to use the Program Noticeboard to share ideas and work together to develop proposals that will improve connectivity across Wannon and drive benefits for our community," he said.
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