The McGowan Government has allocated up to $10 million to support better digital connectivity for regional Western Australia.
State Government co-contribution funding will be available to assist proponents with WA-based digital infrastructure solutions under the Commonwealth Regional Connectivity Program.
The aim of the program is to use a place-based approach to target telecommunications infrastructure investment that will provide economic opportunities and improve participation in the digital economy for regional communities and businesses.
Applications to the Commonwealth Regional Connectivity Program are due to close on October 20, 2020, with licensed telecommunications carriers eligible to apply.
Applicants with WA-based projects seeking co-contribution from the WA Government are encouraged to contact the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development at [email protected] for more information.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“Putting this State Government co-contribution on the table will help to ensure WA gets its share of Commonwealth funding to boost digital connectivity infrastructure.
“We encourage telecommunications carriers considering applying under this Commonwealth scheme to reach out to the department to discuss co-contribution opportunities with the State Government.
“The McGowan Government has taken a strong approach to strengthening regional digital connectivity in rural and regional areas.
“This includes WA’s recent funding to deliver additional enterprise grade broadband to more than 65,000 square kilometres across regional WA through our Digital Farm Grants Program and our success in Round 5 of the national Mobile Black Spot Program, with the State securing 35 per cent of the base stations awarded nationally.”
