The Australian Government has today launched the second round of the Regional Connectivity Program, aimed at improving digital connectivity in regional and remote Australia.
The Program provides competitive grants allowing investment in projects that improve internet accessibility in regional, rural and remote communities.
The Program takes a 'place-based' approach to telecommunications investment and recognises the distinct digital needs of our regions.
Local communities are encouraged to work together with telecommunication providers to submit strong applications for funding.
Residents in Northern Australian communities will benefit in particular from the Connecting Northern Australia component of the broader program.
An online noticeboard to facilitate linkages between regional communities and the telecommunications industry has also been established to encourage collaboration.
The Australian Government has invested $230.2 million in the program, committing $117.4 million under Round 1 to deliver more than 130 projects and up to $112 million for Round 2, which includes around $45 million of dedicated funding for Northern Australia.
Interested parties have until 27 January 2022 to submit applications to the competitive assessment process. To apply, and for more information, visit GrantConnect or the Regional Connectivity Program webpage.
Potential projects can be found and registered on the Program Noticeboard.