Improving connectivity

LIMESTONE Coast residents are starting to enjoy improved mobile coverage and internet connectivity, with the launch of the first of 27 new Telstra mobile base stations under the Regional Connectivity Program (RCP).

The South Australian Government contributed $5.5 million towards Telstra’s ‘South East SA Project’ which will add more than 2400 square kilometres of new 4G coverage, benefiting 1842 new households, and improve connectivity for local communities, businesses, and visitors.

The new site at Blackford near Kingston was built by Telstra as part of the Commonwealth Government’s RCP Round 3 program, with financial contributions from the Commonwealth Government, the Malinauskas Labor Government, six local councils, the South Australian Forest Products Association, and Telstra.

The South East SA project is one of the largest co-investment initiatives nationally, valued at $28 million, and will deliver 27 new mobile base stations across the Limestone Coast.

Member for MacKillop Nick McBride said the new infrastructure was the result of years of advocacy to ensure regional communities are not left behind.

“Blackford is one of the many areas most affected by poor mobile coverage,” Mr McBride said. This was particularly evident during the Blackford and Keilira fires. This tower is a critical step in closing the connectivity gap for our regional communities.

The 27-tower rollout, delivered in partnership with Telstra, Federal, State and Local governments, as well forestry, is one of the largest regional telecommunications upgrades in South Australia.

It will provide stronger mobile coverage, improve safety during emergencies, and support local businesses and families.

“This is about giving residents and businesses in regions like ours in MacKillop and the wider Limestone Coast the same opportunities as those in metropolitan areas—better connectivity means better safety, productivity, and quality of life,” Mr McBride said.

“The 27-tower investment is a game-changer for the Limestone Coast. It is one of the largest regional telecommunications upgrades we’ve seen in years, and I am proud to have helped make this happen.

“I made it a priority to fight for this for the people of the region because reliable mobile coverage isn’t a luxury—it’s essential for farming, business, and emergency response. This shows what can be achieved when we stand up for our communities and push for the infrastructure they deserve.”

“Better connectivity means farmers can access real-time data, businesses can operate more efficiently, and families can stay connected. It’s also about safety—whether it’s bushfires, medical emergencies, or road accidents, reliable mobile coverage can save lives.”

Mr McBride said coverage had been an issue for locals for many years and this new tower launch was the start of delivering on a commitment to rectify that issue.

“This is just the beginning—the remaining towers are expected to be rolled out progressively, and I will keep the community updated on timelines,” Mr McBride said. “I will continue to advocate for even further investment because technology and connectivity are vital for regional growth. Our focus is on making sure MacKillop isn’t left behind as digital infrastructure advances.”

South Australian Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven was in the region earlier this month to unveil the new tower.

“This first new mobile base station at Blackford is an important milestone in a project which is delivering reliable and high-speed connectivity to residents across the Limestone Coast,” Minister Scriven said.

“As a Limestone Coast resident myself, I know firsthand the importance of delivering improved coverage and connectivity to the region.

“Connectivity issues have long been raised by local residents and the Malinauskas Government is proud to be part of this important collaboration to deliver a solution which is essential for business, healthcare, education and community wellbeing.”

Improved connectivity will support industries such as forestry, dairy, agriculture, and tourism, enhance emergency services, and improve access to health and education services.

As part of RCP, the Commonwealth Government is partnering with Telstra to fund the construction or upgrade of 168 sites across 147 different telecommunications projects nationally. The projects range from transmission, coverage, and capacity upgrades plus construction of new macro or small cell mobile base stations in blackspot areas.

Telstra Group Executive, Global Networks & Technology Shailin Sehgal said Telstra knows how important mobile connectivity was for Australians, and they see this every day in their network data.

“Co-investment programs like this, where carriers, governments, and industry work together are critical to delivering great connectivity outcomes and enabling all Australians to participate fully in the digital economy,” Mr Sehgal said.

“As a company, we heavily invest in improving regional connectivity and this site is another example of our commitment.

“Over the seven years to the end of FY25, Telstra has invested $12.4 billion in mobiles nationally, with $4.7 billion of this invested in regional areas. We also committed an additional $800 million earlier this year within our business-as-usual capex to extend our network leadership and deliver Australia’s most advanced, resilient and reliable 5G experience.”

For more information on the Regional Connectivity Program visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/rcp