The Albanese Government is delivering on its election commitment to improve the reliability of mobile telecommunications for communities in the Perth Hills, Western Australia.
Applications for a targeted new round of the Mobile Network Hardening Program (MNHP) are open. There will be up to $1.2 million in Government funding to upgrade up to 23 mobile tower sites across the Perth Hills region.
This investment is particularly important for the Perth Hills, which has faced significant bushfires, including the 2021 Wooroloo fires that destroyed more than 80 homes.
Funding will support upgrades to extend battery back‑up power at mobile sites and install Automatic Transfer Switches to keep services running if the main power fails.
These upgrades will help ensure local residents and visitors to the area can continue to access mobile services during power outages and natural disasters.
Applications close at 5pm AEST on Wednesday 10 June 2026. The program guidelines are available on GrantConnect at www.grants.gov.au.
This latest round of the MNHP forms part of the Government's $1.1 billion investment in regional communications, including $656 million to improve mobile and broadband connectivity and resilience through the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, Anika Wells:
"The Albanese Government is working to ensure no community is left behind when it comes connectivity by building more resilience into our mobile phone networks.
"This $1.2 million investment will deliver critical resilience upgrades to the Perth Hills communities, who can face bushfires and severe weather events.
"With grant applications now open, this is a great opportunity for residents, councils and telcos to work together to identify potential projects that will deliver the best outcomes for the community."
Quotes attributable to Member for Bullwinkel, Trish Cook:
"Local residents in the Perth Hills know too well the importance of being able to call for help in an emergency.
"I'm proud to be part of a government that is delivering this election commitment which is helping ensure the community has better access to reliable telecommunications services.
"This $1.2 million investment in mobile resilience will deliver vital infrastructure upgrades that will help to keep our community safer and more connected in times of power failure or emergencies."
