Over $14 million in telecommunications and energy supply contracts for far North
It will cost over $14 million in projects to ensure that North Queenslanders have access to more affordable and reliable internet, phone and electricity.
The North Queensland Telecommunications and Energy Improvement Grants projects are funded from $60 million the Australian Government allocated to support the 14 Local Government Areas hardest hit by the 2019 North Queensland Monsoon Trough.
More than $13 million has been allocated to 21 telecommunications projects and almost $1 million allocated to two energy projects.
Connectivity is crucial to North Queensland’s long-term recovery and future prosperity, and a reliable and resilient infrastructure is critical to the region, both to assist its ongoing recovery from this devastating event and to better withstand future natural disasters.
Projects being funded will upgrade existing technologies or trial and adapt new technologies to provide essential telecommunications and energy services.
These projects are being funded to ensure that communities get the right information at the right time, and improve both the reliability and affordability of services.
The Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority (QRIDA) will administer the grants under a partnership agreement between the Australian and Queensland Governments. Further information and grant guidelines are available on the QRIDA website: https://www.qrida.qld
For more information about the Australian Government’s ongoing flood support initiatives for communities affected by the 2019 North Queensland floods, see: www.recovery.gov.au/flood-recovery
