Internet upgrades for more Moorabool locations

RECREATION reserves, community halls and CFA buildings in the Moorabool Shire are the latest sites approved for installation of Federal Government-funded NBN Wi-Fi internet.

Ten places will be funded under the government’s Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) program: Ballan Recreation Reserve, Ballan Racecourse and Recreation Reserve, Lal Lal Community Hall, Clarendon Recreation Reserve, Myrniong Hall, and CFA sheds in Greendale, Blackwood, Rowsley, Balliang and Parwan.

The government will pay to have NBN Sky Muster Wi-Fi equipment installed at those premises.

They will join eight sites that were successful in securing funding in 2021: Coimadai CFA shed, Dunnstown Recreation Reserve, Elaine Mechanics Hall, Gordon Public Hall, Korweinguboora Recreation Reserve, Mount Egerton Hall, Mount Wallace Public Hall and Navigators Hall.

Those eight locations have had their funding extended until the end of 2027.

The STAND program has seen NBN Co install Sky Muster satellite connections at rural and country fire service depots and evacuation centres across Australia, at a total of 1068 sites, since 2020.

Additional funding of up to $14 million was announced last year to extend the services at existing locations beyond 2025, as well as expanding Sky Muster services by up to a further 500 sites nationwide.

Moorabool Shire Council was asked to nominate additional sites used as emergency relief centres or where people can shelter if they are isolated during emergency events, where the government could install Wi-Fi.

Moorabool Shire mayor Cr Steve Venditti-Taylor said it was wonderful to see so many additional locations being funded.

“With a quick turnaround required on the EOI process, council’s emergency management team and the Moorabool Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee nominated sites where emergency relief centres may be required during emergency events,” he said.

“So we’re delighted to see every one of them receive this vital telecommunications infrastructure that will be invaluable during emergencies, such as the upcoming bushfire season.

“Places like Ballan Recreation Reserve and the Ballan Racecourse Reserve will be key facilities used for our community if an emergency occurs within the Shire.”

The Shire is now working with committees of management and CFA representatives of the 10 new locations to help with the installation process when it begins this year.