MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall today was joined by Minister for Regional Development John Barilaro and Federal Member for New England Barnaby Joyce to officially launch the state’s first mobile black spot tower at White Rock Wind Farm, near Glen Innes.
Mr Marshall said the State Government was working with the Commonwealth government and private telecommunications providers to deliver new and improved mobile coverage in areas of regional and rural NSW.
In the first round of the program, nine new towers will be built across the Northern Tablelands with Mr Marshall welcoming the White Rock tower coming online as the first for the region and the state under the program.
“The Mobile Blackspots Program is a fantastic investment in country communities which will help residents and businesses stay connected, as well as enhancing the efficiency and operations of integral community and emergency services,” Mr Marshall said.
“This initiative is another great example of how we are investing in the necessary infrastructure to create a stronger and more reliable environment for communities and businesses in regional NSW to live and do business.”
The tower is located on the site of the White Rock Windfarm, which will soon begin construction, located 24 kilometres west of Glen Innes.
Mr Marshall said the NSW Government was investing a total of $26 million in the Mobile Blackspots program, which is also supported by $28 million of Federal Government funding and a contribution from the network providers, making a total investment of $92 million.
“Over the next three years, the program will roll out 144 new or upgraded mobile base stations covering more than 14,000 square kilometres to benefit businesses and residents in regions like Dalgety in south-east NSW, Cargo in the central west and Urbenville in the northern NSW,” Mr Marshall said.
“Fixing mobile blackspots in regional NSW was a key election commitment from the NSW government and I am honoured to be present at this occasion to support the rollout of this valuable investment in our regional communities across the state,” he said.