Ensuring connectivity in regions is crucial

HAVING mobile phone and data coverage is now essential for any rural community or farm business. 

Many of us living in regional areas face significant issues with reliability and affordability. 

The multitude of options to address these issues can be overwhelming and frustrating. 

To tackle this problem, the Australian Government, in partnership with the National Farmers Federation, launched The Regional Tech Hub. 

This initiative, funded under the government’s Better Connectivity Plan, aims to provide Australians with advice on accessing affordable and reliable internet and voice services, regardless of their geography. 

Farmers seeking assistance can contact the hub for personalised, one-on-one advice to resolve their phone and internet issues.

This support is part of the broader Better Connectivity Plan

for regional and rural Australia, which also offers rebates to improve connectivity through various products and services, including satellite, cellular, and WiFi technologies. 

Round 1 of these rebates helped over 1,654 primary producers access more than $13 million in essential equipment, enhancing farm productivity, sustainability, and safety. 

The rebates allowed farmers to invest in soil moisture probes, antennas, water level monitors, livestock, and weather monitoring systems. In positive news this week, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland announced that, after listening to the industry, Round 2 of the program will soon open with an additional $18 million in funding being made available. 

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts will seek Expressions of Interest from producers and equipment suppliers around mid-October this year. 

TasFarmers will keep members informed on how to apply as the date approaches. 

The program will provide rebates of up to 50 per cent on eligible costs, including installation and training, with rebates ranging from $1,000 to $30,000. 

Key details of the announcement include: 

Higher revenue cap: The revenue cap for primary producers has been increased to $4 million, averaged over the past three financial years. 

Lower minimum rebate: The minimum rebate amount has been reduced from $3,000 to $1,000 (GST exclusive), broadening accessibility. 

Extended activity timeframe: A single ‘up to 120 calendar days’ timeframe now replaces the previous two 60-day periods. 

ABN registration requirement: Primary producers must have an ABN registered for at least 12 months to be eligible. 

We encourage the agricultural community to take advantage of these rebates, which have been made easier to access and utilise through recent changes. 

Wherever you live, you can benefit from the latest Ag-Tech and connectivity solutions.