Free public wireless services could soon be within reach for visitors to Caroline Springs shopping precinct.
Melton council decided at its recent meeting to set aside $60,000 in its 2019-20 budget to implement a public Wi-Fi service for Lake Caroline and along Caroline Springs Boulevard between The Esplanade and Commercial Road.
Council corporate services general manager Peter Bean said that the project would cost about $125,000.
“The service would be similar to what is already provided at Melton town centre and the Atherstone Regional Playspace,” he said.
“Following a recent discussion with council’s contracted telecommunications provider, a budget estimate of $125,000 would need to be allowed if an installation did proceed in the current calendar year.
“However, technological advancements that require significantly less civil works related to cabling will reduce the amount to $60,000.
“The ongoing management cost for either option is estimated at $34,000 per year commencing 12 months after implementation.”
Council is already implementing public Wi-Fi for Melton’s town centre as part of the Pride of Melton streetscape project, which is expected to become operational by June 30
“Melton council currently provides public Wi-Fi services in a number of its facilities, most notably its libraries and by the end of this June will complete the provisioning of a public Wi-Fi service in the Melton town centre – council’s first outdoor public Wi-Fi service,” Mr Bean said.
Public Wi-Fi would also be introduced in a number of parks and recreation facilities at Atherstone at a later date, he said.
