THE Albanese government will provide up to $1.2 million in funding to upgrade up to 23 mobile tower sites across the Perth Hills region to improve the reliability of mobile telecommunications for local communities.

With applications for a targeted new round of the Mobile Network Hardening Program (MNHP) the investment is particularly important for the Perth Hills, which has faced significant bushfires, including the 2021 Wooroloo fires that destroyed more than 80 homes.

Funding will support upgrades to extend battery back up power at mobile sites and install automatic transfer switches to keep services running if the main power fails.

These upgrades will help ensure local residents and visitors to the area can continue to access mobile services during power outages and natural disasters.

Bullwinkel MP Trish Cook said local residents in the Perth Hills know too well the importance of being able to call for help in an emergency.

“I’m proud to be part of a government that is delivering this election commitment which is helping ensure the community has better access to reliable telecommunications services,” she said.

“This $1.2m investment in mobile resilience will deliver vital infrastructure upgrades that will help to keep our community safer and more connected in times of power failure or emergencies.”

Federal Communications Minister Anika Wells said the Albanese government was working to ensure no community was left behind when it comes to connectivity by building more resilience into mobile phone networks.

“This $1.2m investment will deliver critical resilience upgrades to the Perth Hills communities, who can face bushfires and severe weather events,” she said.

“With grant applications now open, this is a great opportunity for residents, councils and telcos to work together to identify potential projects that will deliver the best outcomes for the community.”

Applications close at 5pm AEST on Wednesday , June 10.

The program guidelines are available on GrantConnect.