THE MORRISON Government's Regional Connectivity Program (RCP) and the Victorian Government's Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund has come to the rescue to help try and fix mobile blackspots in Halls Gap.
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The $90 million RCP plans to deliver 81 place-based solutions to digital connectivity issues in the regions through a range of mobile and broadband services.
Member for Wannon, Dan Tehan announced Halls Gap will receive some of the funding along with other areas in the electorate.
"I'm thrilled that residents and businesses in Gazette, Halls Gap and Timboon will enjoy the benefits and opportunities that improved digital connectivity brings," Mr Tehan said.
"The projects in Gazette, Halls Gap and Timboon will provide people in those communities with access to improved broadband services and data, delivering fast, affordable and reliable connectivity."
Halls Gap Residents and Ratepayers Association president Paul Turner said the announcements were "great news" but more needed to be done.
"This is great news for Halls Gap as we have many mobile black spots in this area and it is especially good news for the local hotel where reception is almost non-existent," he said.
"It would be nice if Federal Regional Communications Minister, Mark Coulton could assist the residents of Halls Gap to improve their TV reception as well.
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"I have been in communications with ACMA on this matter and have been advised that if we are still having issues, we should apply to VAST with a view for satellite assistance to resolve the problem.
"But, my question is, why can't they fix the problem for all of Halls Gap just like the mobile phone issue?"
As part of the federal announcement, Federal Regional Communications Minister, Mark Coulton said "the Government is listening to the digital needs of regional communities and businesses and has used the RCP to design and deliver place-based solutions that solve rural connectivity issues".
The Andrews Labor Government also announced they were investing in new infrastructure to improve mobile coverage and broadband services across the state.
17 towns and local government areas can expect better services thanks to the confirmed upgrades, including Halls Gap, as well Wimmera townships of Kaniva, Hopetoun and Lascelles.
The state government is investing $12.2 million, from the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund and secured a further $37.3 million investment by partners Telstra, NBN Co and the federal government.
Telstra Regional General Manager Steve Tinker said a work on the new 4GX mobile site in Halls Gap would start soon.
"We'll build a brand new 4GX mobile site in Halls Gap, providing new and improved mobile coverage and capacity while improving connectivity on the eastern edge of town including the Halls Gap Hotel, accommodation venues, Halls Gap Zoo and main roads from Stawell to Ararat," he said.
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"With domestic tourism on the rise we know just how important better mobile connectivity is, especially in the Grampians which is one of Victoria's most visited tourist regions.
"Improving mobile coverage and capacity here will also support the essential work of emergency services in case of emergencies or when they're called to support lost or injured bushwalkers in the Grampians National Park."
Telstra said detailed planning work is progressing well and construction is set to start as soon as possible on the nine key projects across Victoria Telstra secured as part of the Regional Connectivity Program.
Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford said digital improvements were at the core of the Victorian Government's post-COVID-19 recovery.
"Better connectivity will provide wonderful benefit to these communities," she said.
"It will create opportunities for local businesses to grow, and more members of the community to be connected to each other."
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