Previously announced Mobile Black Spot towers throughout the Central Highlands region will still go ahead despite the Victorian government’s decision to split from the federal government’s program.
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On Wednesday state Innovation and Digital Economy Minister Phillip Dalidakis announced Victoria would split from the Commonwealth to deliver stage three of the Mobile Black Spot program, which it has pledged $11 million toward.
Funding has been announced for several towers in municipalities around Ballarat, however many are yet to be built.
Construction of two towers in the Hepburn Shire towns of Eganstown and Bullarto are currently underway in conjunction with Telsta, with construction on a further two in Denver and Lyonville expected to get underway later this year.
A further three towers in the Golden Plains Shire at Teesdale, Cape Clear and Haddon North being constructed in conjunction with Optus are also expected to be up and running by the end of 2018.
A spokesperson for Mr Dalidakis confirmed no projects which have been allocated state funding from rounds one or two would be affected by the decision.
In a statement Mr Dalidakis said “Malcolm Turnbull continues to choose sites that are in his political interests, not the interests of regional Victoria”.
“We are putting regional Victoria first – helping people stay connected in their homes, at work and when they’re travelling,” the statement read.
The federal government opened tenders for the final $60 million stage in November.
The state government is yet to provide a timeline as to when its round three funding will be allocated.