Regional Development Australia Central West, together with the Central NSW Joint Organisation and our shared member councils, welcomes the Albanese Government’s response to the 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review and the proposed Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO). These reforms are a critical step toward bridging the digital divide and ensuring equitable access to telecommunications services across regional Australia.
For Central West NSW, where agriculture, tourism, and small business are key economic drivers, improved mobile and broadband connectivity is essential. The commitment to expand outdoor mobile coverage using Low Earth Orbit satellites and direct-to-device technology will significantly enhance safety, productivity, and access to services in remote and underserved areas.
The Government’s endorsement of the Review’s 14 recommendations—including modernising the Universal Service Obligation, strengthening consumer protections, and boosting digital literacy—aligns with the region’s needs. We particularly support the emphasis on connectivity literacy and the inclusion of First Nations communities in planning and delivery.
We encourage prioritisation of Central West NSW in future rounds of the Mobile Black Spot and Network Hardening Programs, especially in areas with overlapping mobile and broadband deficits. Continued collaboration with local stakeholders is essential to ensure infrastructure investments full current shortfalls in service provision and align with regional development goals.
This can only be delivered in collaboration with Regional Development Australia – Central West and the Central NSW Joint Organisation who are addressing telecommunication capacity and its essential role in regional economies.
Cr Kevin Beatty, Mayor of Cabonne and Chair of the Central NSW Joint Organisation said, “The announcement of the UOMO is a positive step forward for regional NSW. It reflects a strong commitment to empowering our communities with the resources, infrastructure, and opportunities they need to thrive.
“This initiative will help unlock the full potential of our towns and cities, ensuring that regional voices are not only heard but actively supported in shaping a vibrant and sustainable future.”
These reforms represent an opportunity for Central West NSW that must be engaged. We look forward to working with all levels of government to ensure their successful implementation and to realise the full economic potential of a connected regional Australia.