MORE than $4 million in Federal Government funds are set to flow to the McKinlay Shire to improve digital connectivity in a major win for the community and the region.
MORE than $4 million in Federal Government funds are set to flow to the McKinlay Shire to improve digital connectivity in a major win for the community and the region.
McKinlay Shire Council Mayor Philip Curr thanked the Commonwealth for approving council’s bid for funding under Round 2 of the Federal Government’s Regional Connectivity Program (RCP).
The RCP is a grants program funding the delivery of 'place-based' telecommunications infrastructure projects to improve digital connectivity across regional, rural and remote Australia.
McKinlay Shire Council has obtained $4,183,082 to upgrade the nbnTM service technology in the township of Julia Creek from nbnTM Sky Muster Satellite to nbnTM Fibre to the Premises (FTTP).
“High speed internet is no longer a want; it is a necessity for educational, social, tourism, health and business outcomes,” Mayor Curr said.
“To deliver greater economic opportunity and social amenity for residents and businesses of Julia Creek, we need increased and more affordable access to high-speed internet.
“Through the RCP, we are future-proofing our economy and enhancing the lifestyle enjoyed by our current and future residents.
“This funding will improve access to Telehealth services, provide greater business and educational productivity and it should increase network capacity.”
Mayor Curr thanked Federal Minister for Regional Communications, Bridget McKenzie for the funding, which forms part of the Government’s continuing roll-out of the $257 million RCP.
Once a burgeoning sheep hub, this outback region of Queensland has ridden the tides of prosperity to become one of the largest cattle producing districts in Australia as well as producers of an abundance of new and emerging minerals.
Further, the Julia Creek Caravan Park was recently awarded Silver on the national tourism stage, cementing the town’s regard as a must-see Outback Queensland destination.
This latest project is another example of how exceptionally proactive the McKinlay Shire Council, its residents and businesses are when it comes to investing in the sustainability, liveability and prosperity of the region.
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Contact: CEO, Trevor Williams, - McKinlay Shire Council
Email: ceo@mckinlay.qld.gov.au or PH: (07) 4746 7166