By Parker McKenzie
Election promises of funding continue to fly in from the two major parties, with the Liberal Federal government committing to upgrading Belgrave Recreation Reserve and building mobile connectivity towers if reelected.
Casey Liberal candidate Aaron Violi announced the funding pledge on Thursday 21 April, committing to building two mobile connectivity towers in Menzies Creek and Silvan if the Liberal party wins the May 21 election.
The projects are two of 66 announced for funding to address mobile black spots as a part of the Peri Urban Mobile Program, a pilot program announced in the 2021-22 budget. The proposed locations of the base stations are in Silvan and Menzies Creek.
Mr Violi said he is pleased to announce the new mobile sites to improve coverage for the local community.
“Having lived here my whole life and having spoken with many residents since my endorsement as the Liberal candidate last year, I understand the communications challenges we have in Casey, which is why today’s announcement is such great news for our local communities.,” he said.
“If elected in May, I will continue to advocate strongly to improve mobile coverage and address black spots across the electorate.”
$28.2 million in funding has been promised for the 66 projects in 28 electorates around Australia. The cost of the individual projects ranges from $624,000 to $1.46 million.
Minister for Communications Paul Fletcher said the Federal Government is committed to improving mobile connectivity for people living in outer urban areas.
“Improving coverage on the urban fringe will help communities access vital information during emergencies, seek help if needed and stay in touched with loved ones.” he said.
$16.4 million of the funding was already allocated in the 2021-22 budget for the pilot program. Another $11.8 million has been allocated from the Federal Governments’ mobile blackspot program.
Blackspots and poor mobile coverage have been an issue for residents in the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley, and it was flagged as a key problem during the 2009 Victorian Royal Commission into bushfires.
In late 2021 Yarra Ranges Council introduced 10 trial sites for fixed installations of NBN disaster satellite services throughout the Valley and Dandenong Ranges, including in Monbulk, Olinda and The Patch.
The trials were funded through the Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disaster grant, a $37.1 million federal program. The service can be activated during and after an emergency to provide internet access for affected communities.
Connecting Victoria, a $550 million State Government project, is also aiming to fast-track business-grade broadband and upgrade mobile coverage throughout the region.
Mr Violi also announced a promise of $3.8 million in funding for Belgrave Recreational Reserve on the same day.
The proposed funding was announced by Mr Violi at an event held at the ground on Thursday 21 April and will be used for a new pavilion and cricket nets at the reserve located at 1A Reserve Rd, Belgrave.
Mr Violi said the funding would provide a permanent home for Belgrave sports and community groups.
“It’s great to see the hard work of the local community paying off with this investment in the future of Belgrave,” he said.
“I’m proud to be a part of the Liberal team delivering for the East. If elected in May, I’ll continue to give my all for our communities.”
24 local teams — including 10 women’s teams — will use the facilities once completed.
Belgrave Football Netball Club committee member Mel Davey said the project “will be a game-changer for our local sporting clubs and the local community.”
“It’s great that Aaron has listened to what we need and delivered this commitment for Belgrave.” she said.
The Shadow Minister for Communications was contacted for comment.
