The Hon Michelle Rowland MP
Australian Government delivers better connectivity in Durack
The communities of Kalumburu and Jigalong in Western Australia will be able to access better mobile and broadband connectivity with the completion of projects delivered under the Australian Government’s Regional Connectivity Program.
The new services will provide data and voice connectivity, supporting business opportunities in the tourism sector, the operations of the Kalumburu and Jigalong Aboriginal Corporations, and enable access to essential services such as telehealth, education and government services.
The two projects, totalling $2.5 million, jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments, have delivered fully managed public satellite Wi-Fi and VoIP telephone solutions, deployed by Australian Private Networks Pty Ltd (APN).
The community Wi-Fi and phone services allows unlimited free calls to national landlines and mobile phones, while APN's solutions will give the community access to government websites without the need to purchase data.
The Kalumburu and Jigalong projects were delivered under Round 1 of the Regional Connectivity Program program, which funds the delivery of 'place-based' telecommunications infrastructure projects to improve digital connectivity across regional, rural and remote Australia.
The Australian Government’s Better Connectivity for Rural and Regional Australia plan is supporting regional, rural, and remote communities get connected and bridge the digital divide.
For more information on the Regional Connectivity Program visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/rcp.
Quotes attributable to the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
“Regional and rural communities like Kalumburu and Jigalong deserve first class communications infrastructure.
“The Australian Government’s Better Connectivity for Rural and Regional Australia Plan will help support regional Australians to be better connected, take advantage of technological developments and remain globally competitive.”
Quotes attributable to The Hon Alannah MacTiernan MLC:
“I am pleased to see our funding commitment hit the ground and progress the installation and connectivity upgrades at Kalumburu and Jigalong in our State’s far north.
“Our government has the runs on the board in working with telecommunications companies to provide high grade digital services, which are vital to regional communities.
“This program continues to build on the great work of our team in partnering with all tiers of government, telecommunications providers, industry and the community to bridge the ‘digital divide’ and ensure regional WA residents and businesses can access the services they need.”
Quotes attributable to Senator Patrick Dodson:
“The $2.5 million investment will provide important improved communications services to Kalumburu and Jigalong, helping to keep both communities connected through better mobile phone service and broadband."
Quotes attributable to Member for Kimberley Divina D’Anna MLA:
"I welcome the completion of these new telecommunications services for Kalumburu, which will see the whole community benefit from improved mobile and broadband connectivity. Bridging the digital divide is key to improving livability for communities in the Kimberley, and driving growth opportunities for local businesses in the regions."
Quotes attributable to Member for Pilbara MP Kevin Michel MLA
"I am pleased to hear that Jigalong will benefit from better mobile and broadband connectivity under the Better Connectivity for Rural and Regional Australia program. These new services provided are vital to ensure our communities have better communication infrastructure to support businesses and enable access to essential services such as telehealth, education and government services. It is important that our rural and remote communities have access to better digital connectivity to stay connected."