The Albanese Government has delivered a significant connectivity boost for Australian farmers, and rural and regional communities across Australia in its 2022-23 Federal Budget with dedicated funding to support greater on-farm connectivity and expanding the Regional Tech Hub.
Delivering on a key election commitment, the Federal Budget includes $30 million committed over three years for the On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP) to grow Australia's agricultural sector through extended connectivity for farmers and their machinery.
The OFCP will enhance local agricultural productivity by increasing the usage of connected machinery and sensor technology, and supporting farmers as they broaden their local and global market reach.
The investment in OFCP is complemented by its support for the Regional Tech Hub, with $6 million invested over the next three years committed to helping the independent service support more regional, rural and remote Australians troubleshoot connectivity issues.
The funding extension will ensure rural and regional communities can get connected sooner, achieve better consumer awareness, and improve their connectivity literacy.
The Hub is being delivered by the National Farmers' Federation in collaboration with the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network and in liaison with a range of stakeholders including the Better Internet for Rural, Regional and Remote Australia.
