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Australia’s communications, media and arts sectors helping secure our recovery
The Morrison-McCormack Government is securing Australia’s recovery through significant commitments to strengthen our communications, media and creative arts sectors, helping to rebuild our economy, secure jobs and support communities as we continue our resurgence from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Digital service delivery has become more important than ever, with many sectors rapidly digitising over the past year to meet the demands of home-based work. This is why the Government’s Digital Economy Strategy plays a central role in the 2021-22 Budget, as we establish an enduring program to connect Australians and keep them safe online.
Gladstone will benefit from a push to unlock more gas supply for the domestic market.
The Federal Budget 2021 has earmarked $1.5m to support a feasibility study into the electrification of liquefied natural gas facilities at Curtis Island, Queensland.
Budget papers state the Federal Government will give the funding to the Queensland government for this study in 2021-22.
The Government has also allocated $15.6m in 2021-22 for competitive grants to support gas field trials in the North Bowen and Galilee basins.
The trials will be in partnership with industry, experts from the University of Queensland and the Queensland government.
They aim to “improve geological understanding in the region, overcome technical drilling challenges, and determine gas flow rates”.
Telstra ramps up regional network investment with $350M spend
Telstra ramps up regional network investment with $350M spend
$150 million is to go to upgrades while $200 million will be set aside for a co-investment fund.
Andrew Penn (Telstra) Credit: Telstra
Telstra is planning to ramp up its spending for its network in regional, rural and remote areas with $350 million set aside for network upgrades and a co-investment fund over the next few years.
Announced by Telstra CEO Andrew Penn on Monday, part of the spend includes $150 million over the next year to be used in “a number of important areas” on a case-by-case basis.
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The Morrison government has today announced $130 million will be spent on the “hugely popular” Regional Connectivity Program (RCP) ahead of next week’s federal budget.
The funding – which aims to improve connectivity and technology in Australia’s regional centres – is part of the nearly $1.2 billion the government is set to spend on its Digital Economy Strategy.