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Tell your mobile dropouts, blackspots and poor connections to the 'Connecting Victoria' online survey

The people of Gippsland have been given a unique opportunity to name the dropouts, the blackspots and the poor digital connections that impede their ability to live, work and play.

By news@gippsland - 19th July 2021 - Back to News

A new Connecting Victoria online survey is asking people to help identify the location and impact of mobile coverage and internet access problems. Individuals, business and community groups are encouraged to pinpoint where improvements are needed, so the right infrastructure upgrades can be delivered for our region.

Victoria needs an improved quality of internet and mobile phone services in rural area, and better connectivity in more places across region and outer suburbs

Covid-safe connection

Throughout the past 18 months, digital connections were seen as the golden goose in a COVIDSafe world. A way for many to maintain social connections and continue to participate economically - even when we could not leave our state, town or at times even our houses.

Zoom meetings, online learning as well as apps for shopping for clothes, electronics, food and beverages boomed. There was innovation aplenty and for those that were able to connect to this brave new world, there was continued amazement at how clever and adaptable society has become.

But herein lies the problem: for many of us in Gippsland the COVIDSafe world was not an equal playing field. There were a great many for whom connecting to broadband or mobile infrastructure remained nothing more than a daily exercise in being left behind.

Shortfall in access

The data, unsurprisingly, backs these real world experiences. A plan that maps digital issues for Gippsland found that we sit almost 15 points behind inner city Melbourne on the Australian Digital Inclusion Index. It further found that there were 500 registered mobile blackspots and almost three quarters of Gippsland centres and towns had an 'intermediate' shortfall in access to broadband.

Almost 70 per cent of the region's key tourism locations identified a 'major' shortfall in access to broadband. Across 5 of the region's key primary producing areas this figure grew to 100 per cent.

These figures are concerning as farming is evolving as a more digital enterprise, the paddocks are increasingly demanding fibre to the farm, not just from the farm. Tourists are also beginning to demand a combination of the virtual as part of their #IRL holiday experiences. Times are indeed changing.

Investment to benefit the region

In January this year, One Gippsland began the process of advocating for improved digital infrastructure in our region. We met with the previous Minister for Regional Communications and the Member for Gippsland the Hon Darren Chester MP, to talk about how planned government investment could benefit our region.

In partnership with NBN Co, the Australian government has announced a new $4.5 billion NBN network plan. The expansion of the network includes 240 Business Fibre Zones, three of which are planned for Morwell, Traralgon and Sale. While this is a significant and much welcomed announcement, we have advocated that all major towns in the Gippsland need to be included in this NBN program.

We have also asked that Gippsland be prioritised in the next round (5A) of the Mobile Black Spot Program and the Regional Connectivity Program, with Gippsland successfully securing four key projects as part of Round One.

Need sufficient connectivity

The Victorian Government's Connecting Victoria Program is an essential next step in getting the right data to identify the issues, down to the local level. Beyond COVID-19, Gippsland has been challenged by bushfires, the dairy crisis, drought and the closure of Hazelwood. Theses have stripped almost $7 billion from our economy, and more than 10,000 jobs.

Despite this we do know that there are exciting opportunities on the horizon. The holiday at home trend, a food and fibre and manufacturing led recovery as well as a rethink of big city living and working are all chances for our region to shine.

Without sufficient mobile and broadband connectivity these opportunities may not be realised. Gippslanders need to complete the Connecting Victoria online survey to make sure the government isn't left guessing about the scale of the issue in our region.

Survey can be accessed at connecting Victoria.

Pictures from One GIppsland website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Stallholder applications have opened for the 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo, offering organisations and entertainers the chance to connect with thousands of local families during National Children's Week celebrations.
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  Gippsland MP Darren Chester says 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns, advocating an 80 percent tobacco excise cut alongside stronger enforcement to combat the black market.
• Darren Chester says Gippsland’s 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns and calls for tobacco excise reform
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester says 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns, advocating an 80 percent tobacco excise cut alongside stronger enforcement to combat the black market.
• Bass Coast and South Gippsland businesses invited to connect, collaborate and network at upcoming Meet the Makers event in Meeniyan on 13 October 2026
  Local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland are invited to Meet the Makers in Meeniyan on October 13, offering networking, collaboration and showcasing opportunities.
• Darren Chester urges Gippsland men to prioritise prostate cancer checks and highlights specialist nursing support for regional patients
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester is urging men to prioritise regular health checks and discuss prostate cancer risks with doctors, highlighting specialist nurses’ vital support for patients, families and regional communities.
• Cycling Without Age Gippsland returns with free trishaw rides around Sale’s Lake Guthridge for community passengers and visitors
  Cycling Without Age Gippsland has resumed free trishaw rides at Lake Guthridge, Sale, welcoming Central Gippsland Health passengers and 16 floral art convention visitors, while inviting bookings and new volunteers.
• International partners visit Gippsland to explore energy diversification and regional development opportunities firsthand together
  One Gippsland hosted European partners for a five-day Gippsland visit, exploring energy diversification, regional development, workforce opportunities, infrastructure, agriculture and collaboration between Australian and European regions.
• Wellington Shire Council opposes mandatory fourth glass recycling bin, urging Victoria to allow council flexibility instead
  Wellington Shire Council has again urged the Victorian government to scrap mandatory household glass bins, citing costs, practicality and existing Container Deposit Scheme success while seeking greater flexibility for regional councils.
• Southern Rural Water manages Gippsland storages during rainfall, balancing flood risks, water supplies and community safety
  Southern Rural Water managed Gippsland water storages during significant weekend rainfall, using controlled releases to create capacity, reduce flood risks and protect community safety and water supplies.
• Melina Bath says boating licence revenue should fund ramps, parking, dredging and safety, supporting Victorian boating and fishing communities
  Victoria’s Liberals and Nationals have pledged to protect the Better Boating Fund, which delivered $130 million in four years, supporting boating facilities, waterway safety, recreational fishing and regional jobs.
• Free green waste disposal helps East Gippsland residents prepare properties for upcoming bushfire season from 1 to 30 November 2026
  East Gippsland residents can dispose of eligible green waste free throughout November to reduce bushfire risks. Council also encourages safe gas bottle disposal and separating green waste from general rubbish to save fees.
• Working together to secure East Gippsland's water future through integrated water management
  East Gippsland CMA and regional partners are collaborating through Integrated Water Management to address climate, flooding, population growth, stormwater, recycled water and wetland protection challenges while planning sustainable projects.
• Darren Chester congratulates Gippsland Agricultural Group on successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale
  Darren Chester has praised the successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale, highlighting industry collaboration, innovation, productivity and the need to reduce red tape for farming families.
• Melina Bath seeks Labor explanation on Gippsland children face specialist dental service cuts, longer waits and costly travel for treatment
  Melina Bath says Gippsland children face longer waits after regional pediatric dental services were cut, forcing families to travel to Melbourne for specialist treatment.
• Martin Cameron and Melina Bath heard Gippsland builders’ concerns, pledge reforms to improve housing affordability and supply
  Martin Cameron and Melina Bath met Gippsland builders to discuss housing affordability challenges, citing rising taxes, fees and planning delays. The Nationals and Liberals propose faster approvals, increased land supply and tax relief.