2020 State Election Campaign
Addressing the substandard connectivity options facing communities and businesses
WHAT WE SEEK:
a. Investment in existing funding programs such as Building our Regions to be bolstered, or for a dedicated stream of funding to be made available for telecommunications / digital connectivity projects in rural and remote communities.
b. State Government support for the transparent identification of available fibre optic networks across the North West. This will facilitate local digital connectivity projects, improved competition and entrepreneurial opportunities through remote working.
c. State Government action to ensure the significant fibre optic capacity associated with the CopperString 2.0 Project is used to maximise fast, reliable and affordable digital connectivity across the State’s North West.
“Where you live and work matters. Those regional businesses that have a fixed-line broadband service as well as reliable mobile coverage from one or more mobile network operators are in a strong position to take advantage of new digital applications and economic opportunities. For other regional, rural and remote businesses, however, the situation is not as conducive to maximising economic opportunities.*”
HOW THIS WILL HELP THE NORTH WEST AND QUEENSLAND RECOVER:
Improved digital infrastructure supports economic development opportunities and job creation through access to e-commerce, e-health, on-line education and essential government and emergency services to individuals as well as businesses in towns and families on property.
We have been proactive and provided alternative digital connectivity solutions for our communities. For example, Richmond Shire Council’s joint venture with Wi-Sky local entrepreneur Will Harrington has delivered 6.5km of fibre optic infrastructure around Richmond town enabling the whole community to connect to the internet – faster and cheaper. Burke Shire Council’s fibre optic project connected Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council with access to high speed broadband internet, 4G mobile phone services and wi-fi hotspots.
Whilst we are doing all we can to investigate alternative solutions, commit our own funding and / or utilise every external funding opportunity available to us (such as the Building our Regions Program), we need increased and ongoing support from the State Government. Improved digital infrastructure has never been so important (economically and socially) in helping remote and regional communities recover and capitalise on the opportunities in a post COVID-19 world
* Australian Government 2018 Regional Telecommunications Review, “Getting it right out there”, p2..