Donnybrook residents will soon be able to connect more effectively, with the recent announcement of Federal Government funding that will see a TPG and Optus tower installed in the region.
One of 47 projects in round two of the Peri-Urban Mobile Program (PUMP), the funding will deliver new or upgraded mobile phone coverage to communities, including Donnybrook, who have experienced poor connectivity due to the lack of telecommunication towers.
Among the successful recipients, Wollert was also named.
Two mobile carriers will share infrastructure at nine of the 47 sites, while the remaining 38 will be required to offer co-location to interested mobile carriers.
Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell said he was proud to deliver on his commitment to prioritise reliable connectivity and mobile coverage for the residents of Donnybrook.
“The Albanese Government is committed to improving mobile coverage across Australia, including along peri-urban fringes, to ensure local communities can stay in touch and receive information when they need it most,” he said.
“Reliable mobile coverage can be the difference between life and death during emergencies. The peri-urban fringe is where the bush meets the suburbs, and has been historically under-served and that is why, in a win for our local communities, we have brought forward funding earmarked for a future round of PUMP to support a larger number of projects now.
“Natural disasters across Australia have highlighted the need for more reliable mobile services during emergencies, which we are delivering under the PUMP program.”
Mr Mitchell met with Donnybrook resident and City of Whittlesea candidate Helen Franks upon the announcement of the funding.
The news was pleasing to Ms Franks, who had been advocating strongly for improved connectivity.
“This is really great,” she said.
“For residents in Donnybrook this will mean being able to have full time, optimal phone and mobile service at all hours. It will also mean the women struggling in domestic violence situations, people suffering a medical emergency, those working from home or that have elderly parents overseas or interstate can maintain contact.
“This will basically provide general day-to-day telco needs for basic safety—normal communications services we have all come to expect in this day and age, and there is no reason why the residents of Donnybrook shouldn’t have that.”
Donnybrook was also listed as one of the recipients of the new mobile tower project under the State Government’s Connecting Victoria program. In partnership with Telstra, the mobile project will be located on Langley Drive, forecast for completion in June 2025.