The federal government is reviewing the infrastructure in its On Farm Connectivity Program.
Public consultation has been launched to guide the third and final funding round under the scheme.
Over $30 million in rebates has been distributed in Rounds 1 and 2 to support on-farm telecommunications upgrades – primarily mobile boosters, antennas, Wi-Fi bridges, and sensor-linked networking gear.
Thousands of primary producers have tapped the program to deploy digital infrastructure that enables precision agriculture, remote monitoring, and improved operational control.
In preparation for Round 3, the Department of Infrastructure is seeking stakeholder feedback on the technical and eligibility settings of the rebate model. Proposed changes include refining which equipment types qualify for funding and restructuring rebate delivery mechanisms to allow direct reimbursement to producers, rather than through registered suppliers.
The department’s review responds to the sharp oversubscription seen in Round 2, which exposed persistent infrastructure deficits in rural communications. Connectivity gaps – particularly in mobile and fixed wireless coverage – remain a major barrier to adoption of ag-tech and digital tools across Australian farming regions.
The $53 million program forms part of the Australian Government’s $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, which also funds multi-carrier mobile upgrades, fixed wireless and satellite improvements via the NBN, and targeted digital infrastructure builds under the Regional Connectivity Program.
Initial rounds of the On Farm Connectivity Program have focused on low-power repeaters, directional antennas, and networked sensor systems that integrate with existing telecommunications infrastructure. According to the department, Round 3 will aim to refine these offerings to ensure public funds are directed towards fit-for-purpose infrastructure that addresses actual on-ground limitations.
Consultation is open until Tuesday, 26 August 2025. Industry stakeholders, equipment providers, and agricultural groups are encouraged to lodge submissions at the Department’s website.
