Media release 3 December: Riverina Murray Voices Unite Calling for Improved Digital Connectivity

RIVERINA MURRAY VOICES UNITE CALLING FOR IMPROVED DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY

A coordinated and cohesive display of advocacy for improved digital connectivity across the NSW Riverina Murray today, with representatives from all levels of government uniting in Albury, for a meeting with key telecommunication industry stakeholders.

The advocacy group, was initiated through discussions between Member for Albury Justin Clancy, Member for Murray Helen Dalton, and the Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation (RAMJO) in April 2024, and also includes Federal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley.

Mr Clancy said the gathering, the first of its kind for the NSW Riverina Murray, involved representatives from phone and internet providers Telstra, Optus, and NBN Co, along with experts from Charles Sturt University, Business NSW, and Regional Development Australia (RDA) Murray.

“Today was an exceptional opportunity to unite and elevate the shortcomings that our communities are experiencing with mobile phone blackspots, slow, unreliable, and patchy internet connections, poor National Broadband Network (NBN) coverage, and poor satellite coverage.

“The aim was to information share and be solutions driven to see improved coverage and reliability, faster service speeds, and increased data capacity. It was also an opportunity for greater corporate accountability by our service providers who gave an overview of current and future Riverina Murray projects.”

NSW Government data shows due to poor digital connectivity there are 4,000 reported mobile blackspots across NSW, 15 percent of roads do not have mobile coverage and around 30 percent of the NSW rail network has poor or no coverage.

“Our phones and internet are crucial tools for all facets of our lives, including our health and education, we in the Riverina Murray must see improvements. And our community also needs the assurance all levels of government are working together for improved Digital Connectivity, on behalf of our regional families, businesses, and farmers,” Mr Clancy said.

Independent Member for Murray Helen Dalton said digital connectivity is an essential part of life and work in the bush. Any improvements to such a vital service are welcomed and I look forward to ongoing improvements so we out West of Sydney don’t come second to our city cousins”.

“Staying connected digitally is an essential service that everyone expects to be reliable and consistent, especially in rural and remote NSW. Any improvements are a great signal to these communities that the government does not take them for granted and doesn’t want them left behind,” Mrs. Dalton added.

RAMJO Chair and Murrumbidgee Council Mayor Ruth McRae warmly welcomed the opportunity to sit collaboratively at the table, declaring the ability to be reliability connected is what will ensure the sustainability of our rural and regional communities.

“Whether it be business, education, health, emergency Services, transport, or agriculture, reliable digital connectivity will ensure we are viewed as great places to live and work. We are a prosperous country with much to offer, regardless of our location, all Australians deserve surety the best phone and internet services are available to them,” Councillor McRae said.

RAMJO’s eleven member councils are Albury City Council, Berrigan Shire Council, Carrathool Shire Council, Edward River Council, Federation Council, Griffith City Council, Hay Shire Council, Leeton Shire Council, Murray River Council, Murrumbidgee Council, and Narrandera Shire Council.