Senior government members have visited Richmond, championing the federal government's mission to provide reliable internet and eliminate mobile blackspots in northern Queensland.
As part of last weeks budget, the commonwealth committed $68 million for the Regional Connectivity Program (RCP), promising to to deliver broadband and mobile services to rural and remote communities.
Queensland Senator Susan McDonald said the program has already proven "popular in regional Queensland".
"The first round of this program will provide $23.7 million in Commonwealth funding for 22 projects. Those projects will improve connectivity for communities across the state," Senator McDonald said.
Two of the projects will be delivered by Wi-Sky Queensland, an independent business that has piloted connection infrastructure for remote Queensland communities and businesses.
Senator McDonald said it's important that the roll out of the connection program "understands the needs of local communities and the connectivity challenges they face".
Wi-Sky founder William Harrington operates Olga Downs cattle station, 50 kilometres north of Richmond, and is currently completing his computer sciences PhD at JCU.
Mr Harrington said through the federal funding his company will help connect cattle stations in Julia Creek.
"It's great to see regional connectivity be recognised as such a problem by the federal government," Mr Harrington said.
"Regional Queensland needs internet just like it needs roads and power.
"By connecting regional Queensland it means we're not at a disadvantage, it means kids can study from home and watch the same media as kids in the city."
Regional Communications Minister, Mark Coulton said the Federal Government recognises the importance of digital connectivity for regional communities.
"We have seen how improving digital connectivity in the bush drives economic growth for the nation, and this has proved particularly important as we deal with the impact of COVID-19," Minister Coulton said.
"The pandemic has also shown many Australians the value of our regions, both as economic powerhouses and as desirable destinations to live, work, and raise a family. The Government recognises regional communities need improvements to their connectivity in order to take advantage of this regional migration."
The Budget 2021-22 investment in the Regional Connectivity Program federal government's commitments to improve digital connectivity infrastructure in regional, rural, and remote Australia since 2013 to more than $600 million.
