South-west Queensland will soon have high-speed, reliable internet networks thanks to funding through Round 4 of the Palaszczuk Government's successful $295 million Building our Regions (BoR) program.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the Palaszczuk Government is supporting five councils in the south-west to deliver improved digital connectivity and lay the foundation for a new wave of economic development in the region.
"We're investing $3.4 million in our state's south-west to deliver much-needed telecommunications towers and other critical digital infrastructure," Mr Dick said.
"This includes backhaul microwave links, fibre optic cable and Wi-Fi access, depending on the needs of individual areas.
"Communities in Balonne, Murweh, Bulloo, Paroo and Maranoa currently not serviced by fibre optic connections will all benefit from increased internet speeds of up to 100mbps.
"These upgrades will allow local businesses and residents to reliably access websites, streaming services, e-commerce activities and online education and training.
"The new digital networks will also be an enormous help for telehealth initiatives in these communities and assist emergency services communication, enabling better emergency response times.
"Councils estimate around 21 jobs will be supported during the construction phase of the project, with ongoing technical support jobs also required in each area once the networks are established."
Round 4 of Building our Regions will see the Palaszczuk Government partner with 37 councils on 49 projects – work which will create an estimated 657 jobs.
Under previous rounds, the program has allocated $225 million to 174 critical infrastructure projects across the state, generating 1762 jobs and attracting additional investment of $353.5 million from councils and other organisations.
Funding breakdown:
- Balonne Shire Digital Connectivity Project: $1,657,100 ($1 million BoR, $54,600 council, $602,500 industry – five construction jobs)
- Murweh Shire Digital Connectivity Project: $1,459,925 ($937,250 BoR, $522,675 industry – five construction jobs)
- Bulloo Region Digital Connectivity Project: $778,500 ($250,000 BoR, $250,000 council, $278,500 industry – three construction jobs)
- Paroo Shire Digital Connectivity Project: $1,650,900 ($1 million BoR, $650,900 industry – five construction jobs)
- Surat Digital Connectivity Project: $932,800 ($275,000 BoR, $275,000 council, $382,800 industry – three construction jobs)
Learn more about the Building our Regions program.
