WAFarmers has applauded the Federal Government’s commitment of a further $60 million towards the Mobile Black Spot Programme, stating that it would be a win for regional families and businesses.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Minister for Regional Communications Fiona Nash today announced that a re-elected Turnbull Government would invest the extra funds to provide greater mobile coverage for people in regional and remote areas.
WAFarmers President Tony York said the additional funds would be praised by industry and warmly welcomed by those living in regional areas.
“The investment of $60 million towards regional telecommunications infrastructure is a clear win for families and businesses in remote regions,” Mr York said.
“Business success, personal safety, social interaction and access to education for regional areas all rely on telecommunications services, and just by committing these additional funds and eliminating mobile black spots, opportunities will be unlocked for farmers and businesses previously unable to connect to reliable services.”
Mr York said the investment, which would take the Coalition’s total commitment towards eliminating mobile black spots to $220 million, would increase productivity and the overall success of the nation’s agricultural industry.
“The agricultural sector is ideally positioned to be an economic growth driver for the nation with the potential to generate $1.2 trillion between now and 2030, and this figure will only increase with each commitment to enhancing telecommunications services,” Mr York said.
“The commitment of further government expenditure in developing the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure is a key policy priority for a number of agricultural organisations including WAFarmers, and we are pleased to see that the government has recognised the importance of this issue.
“While we acknowledge that there is still a long way to go to ensure that all Australian are provided with reliable mobile services and that greater commitment will be needed over the coming years, we are pleased that we can count on these additional funds, should the Turnbull Government be re-elected in July.”
ENDS.
All media requests to be directed to WAFarmers Media and Communications Officer Melanie Dunn on (08) 9486 2100 or [email protected].
