Public consultation is now open on the draft program guidelines for the Albanese Government's new $30 million On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP) funded in the October 2022 Budget.
This innovative $30 million program will enable primary producers to extend connectivity to boost productivity, improve health and safety and support sustainable resource management.
Rebates of up to $30,000 will be available for a wide range of technologies, including external antennas, boosters and repeaters to extend coverage, and a range of devices to optimise and automate such as soil moisture probes, plant growth monitors, valve and irrigation controllers, and livestock monitoring systems.
Feedback on the guidelines will ensure the program is fit-for-purpose for Australia's agriculture, forestry, and fisheries industries.
The consultation follows an earlier initial canvassing of industry interest in supplying connected machinery and connectivity equipment for primary producers, which resulted in over 80 applications from suppliers to participate.
The OFCP forms part of the Albanese Government's $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan, which is improving mobile and broadband connectivity and resilience in communities across the country.
Interested parties are encouraged to have their say on the draft Guidelines before they are finalised and Round 1 opens for applications.
Consultation on the program guidelines is open until 23 August 2023 at 5pm AEDT.
To view the draft guidelines or to make a submission, please visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
"The Albanese Government is committed to ensuring our primary producers have the support that they need to access cutting-edge connected technology to boost productivity and global competitiveness.
"The new On Farm Connectivity Program will help give primary producers the tools they need, and it's fantastic to receive so much interest and engagement from the connected machinery sector.
"I encourage interested parties to have their say to ensure the OFCP helps improve digital connectivity and encourages the uptake of new and advanced agricultural technologies."
