31 October 2006

Extension of time for Connect Australia applications

The deadline for submitting proposals under the Broadband Connect Infrastructure Program and the Clever Networks program—Innovative Services Delivery element have been extended to Monday 18 December 2006, the Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, announced today.

“This follows views expressed by some applicants who believe a brief extension would enhance the overall outcomes for both programs,” Senator Coonan said.

“The extension will also allow time for the elected Government in Victoria to meet with applicants and make decisions as I am mindful of the constraints that come into play during ‘caretaker mode’.

“This short extension is not expected to have any bearing on the date for the finalisation of program funding or the ultimate roll-out of new services to Australian consumers.”

Applications can still be received for the Broadband Connect Infrastructure Program from 29 November and Clever Networks from 27 November 2006.

The Broadband Connect Infrastructure Program will offer up to $600 million to support a small number of large scale infrastructure projects and leverage additional funding from the private sector to extend the reach of broadband across rural, regional and remote Australia.

The $113 million Clever Networks program will support sectors such as health, education, community and emergency services to use advanced broadband technologies to enhance the delivery of key Government services in rural, regional and remote Australia.

“These two programs are the core elements of the Australian Government’s $1.1 billion Connect Australia package which will deliver access to affordable broadband at improved speeds, better mobile phone coverage, high speed networks for our universities and hospitals and better communications services for Australia’s indigenous communities,” Senator Coonan said.