Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips is encouraging community members to help to identify potential locations for the next round of Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP) funding.
MPs and local councillors from Kiama, Shoalhaven and Eurobodalla LGAs can nominate potential projects through the government’s Project Noticeboard, while individuals and community groups can flag mobile black spot locations via Mrs Phillips’ office.
The Albanese Government’s MBSP invests in telecommunications infrastructure to deliver new and improved mobile coverage and competition across Australia.
Round 8 of the MBSP will provide $55 million in government co-funding, targeted at natural disaster-prone locations in regional areas like Gilmore to better assist local communities during and after emergencies.
Mrs Phillips said nominations close on 7 February 2025 and she encouraged people and groups to email [email protected] with feedback.
She said Telco industry applicants would be encouraged to review these submissions when preparing their applications.
“I know how frustrating it can be living in or driving through a mobile black spot area on the South Coast, which is why I am seeking feedback from the community,” Mrs Phillips said.
“Good mobile phone service is of utmost importance during times of emergencies, and I am proud to be part of a Labor Government that is working with communities and industry to ensure local residents can access the improved mobile coverage they need and deserve.”
Minister for Communications the Hon Michelle Rowland MP said reliable, resilient mobile coverage was “absolutely essential”.
“Round 8 of the Mobile Blackspot Funding Program will focus on regional and rural locations that are prone to natural disasters to better protect communities during their greatest time of need,” she said.
“I encourage people to speak with their local councillors or state, territory and federal parliamentarians to make their voice heard.”
Funding for the MBSP was confirmed in the October 2022–23 Federal Budget as part of the Albanese Government’s $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia.
In total, the Albanese Government is investing $2.2 billion in regional communications – the most significant investment since the inception of the National Broadband Network.
Under the MBSP to date (Rounds 1 to 7), Commonwealth funding has generated a total investment of more than $1 billion, to deliver up to 1,400 new mobile base stations across Australia.
To view the Project Noticeboard, or to make a submission, please visit: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/phone/mobile-services-and-coverage/mobile-black-spot-program/register-your-project-proposal-mobile-black-spot-program-round-8
For more information on the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, visit: infrastructure.gov.au/bcp
For more information on the Mobile Black Spot Program, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/mbsp
Photo: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips is encouraging local councillors, community groups and residents to nominate mobile black spot locations for potential funding.
