Senator Bridget McKenzie said the 10 base stations in Victoria, including one in the Bendigo area, would be funded to address mobile black spots under this round of the program.

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"The Heathcote mobile black spot site is set to provide improved mobile coverage for the community, allowing visitors and local residents alike to stay connected, access education services, conduct business and remain in contact with family and friends," she said.

"I look forward to working with Telstra, so that building this local mobile base station can get underway and the community can benefit from improved coverage."

Ms McKenzie announced that the government had committed $20.5 million to fund 67 new mobile base stations across Australia.

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"This announcement brings the total number of base stations being funded under our Mobile Black Spot Program to over 1,270 base stations, representing a total investment of over $875 million," she said.

"These base stations will improve coverage in disaster prone areas, along major transport corridors and trial new approaches to delivering coverage."

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Ms McKenzie said a key priority of Round 5A is to test new approaches to supporting improved mobile coverage.

"Access to 21st century communications is an essential service for all Australians no matter where they live," she said.

The full list of base stations funded under Round 5A of the MBSP is available online at communications.gov.au/what-we-do/phone/mobile-services-and-coverage/mobile-black-spot-program

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