Close to an $11 million telecommunications funding boost has been announced for the Flinders and Cape Barren islands in a bid to improve mobile coverage and internet speeds.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The State Government, together with the Australian Government, Flinders Island Council and Telstra,
Liberal Member for Bass Sarah Courtney said the funding boost would address the two major issues raised on her visits to Flinders Island.
“We know that agriculture and tourism is booming on the island and offering quality telecommunications services will provide a significant boost for the entire Flinders,” Ms Courtney said.
“It will be also be extremely beneficial at the Flinders Island District School which is extending to years 11-12.”
The new infrastructure will deliver 3G and 4GX capability.
Tasmanian Liberal Senator David Bushby announced the Federal Liberal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund will commit more than $7.5 million for the Flinders and Cape Barren Islands Telecomms Transformation Project.
The funding commitment will be used alongside an investment of $1.8M from Telstra, $770,000 from the Flinders Council and $350,000 from the Tasmanian Liberal Government.
“This is a real game changer for the people of the Flinders municipality,” Senator Bushby said.
“In this information-rich age, it is increasingly important to have access to have a quality internet and mobile phone service: it is fundamental for education, health, business and community connection.”
Fast internet and better mobile coverage featured in the Flinders community plan to increase the visitor economy, he said.
The upgrade is expected to start in September and be finished in 2018.
Tess Brunton
I recently returned from across the ditch where I worked at New Zealand Fairfax paper The Timaru Herald and developed a love of mountains. Originally I'm a mainlander from an area known for cheese, the Bega Valley, who also dabbled in radio at ABC RCAFF before finding a place in newspapers. I can often be found hiking, caving or climbing when I'm not cursing at my work computer or technology in general.
I recently returned from across the ditch where I worked at New Zealand Fairfax paper The Timaru Herald and developed a love of mountains. Originally I'm a mainlander from an area known for cheese, the Bega Valley, who also dabbled in radio at ABC RCAFF before finding a place in newspapers. I can often be found hiking, caving or climbing when I'm not cursing at my work computer or technology in general.
