McEwen local residents and councils can now have their say on new draft guidelines for the next round of the peri-urban mobile program (PUMP).
In an announcement on July 7, McEwen MP Rob Mitchell encouraged residents to provide feedback on the program which aims to improve mobile coverage on the urban fringes of communities across Australia.
The government said these peri-urban fringes, where the bush meets the edges of the suburbs, can create significant challenges for communications infrastructure and natural disaster risks for residents and workers.
These communities are generally underserved due to the high cost, difficult terrain, planning challenges including in national parks, and lower population densities.
Mitchell said it is vital that communities stay in touch and receive reliable communication and coverage.
“Poor mobile coverage is something locals consistently raise when I’m out in our community,” he said. “Having access to reliable coverage during a natural disaster can be a matter of life and death.
“[The government is] committed to improving mobile coverage… including along our peri-urban fringes, to ensure local communities can stay in touch and receive information when they need it most.”
PUMP aims to improve mobile coverage and connectivity issues experienced by peri-urban communities through investing on local projects with mobile network operators.
As part of the consultation process a project noticeboard has been established to help councils and community groups identify mobile coverage and reception, and form telecommunications partnerships to develop funding applications.
The government said local councils and community groups are invited to upload their project proposals to the noticeboard until August 16, 2023.
Details: infrastructure.gov.au/pump
Zoe Moffatt
