Project summaries
NSW
Regional Connections
Funding recipient: Capital Region Development Board
Project partners: ACT Government, ACT Health Services, Capital Region Development Board, local communities, 13 local governments, NSW Area Health Services, NSW State Government, and Telecommunication service providers.
Project overview and objectives and objectives
The Regional Connections project in the New South Wales South East region supports stakeholder collaboration in the Capital Region, including commercial operators, local governments and state education and health organisations, to support the business case for extended broadband deployment in the NSW capital region.
Activities include a marketing plan, community consultations on broadband capabilities and access, development of case studies and liaison with local government authorities about broadband requirements for brown and greenfield developments. Strategies will also be developed to address broadband black spot areas.
This will raise awareness of the potential benefits of broadband in health, education and community development and accessing government services. This is a two-year project with all activities expected to be completed by 30 October 2009.
A Broadband Project Officer has been employed to address:
- uneven access to broadband within the Capital Region;
- lack of awareness of the potential benefits of broadband in health, education and community development; and
- lack of access to government services including health in the Capital Regions rural areas.
Key achievements to date
The Broadband Project Officer has been active in finalising a steering committee, assessing current broadband infrastructure, developing a regional broadband strategic plan and promoting the project to the community.
NT
Connecting the community with Government
Funding recipient: Northern Territory Government Department of Business, Economic and Regional Development
Project partners: Australian Government agencies, community groups, Indigenous organisations and individuals, Local Councils, Non government organisations, and Northern Territory government Agencies and suppliers.
Project overview and objectives and objectives
The Connecting the Community with Government project in the Northern Territory covering Darwin, Wadeye and other Indigenous communities will support the implementation of the Territory Services Broadband Project to establish a new way of delivering government administrative services to communities across the Northern Territory.
The project will consolidate a range of government services, currently provided by different agencies, into one organisation Territory Services. Communities will be able to make bill payments, purchases, lodge applications and notify change of circumstances to agencies, as well as make general information enquiries from Territory Services shop fronts, the website and helpline.
Stage 1 of the project, to be completed by 1 November 2009, will develop on understanding of the types of administrative services needed in the business and general community and the most appropriate channels for delivery based on community requirements.
A Broadband Project Officer is being employed to address:
- a lack of access to government administration services; and
- duplication of government service delivery.
Key achievements to date
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The Northern Territory Government is in the process of recruiting a Broadband Project Officer, expected to be finalised by early August.
QLD
Broadband for Education, Aged Care and Welfare Nonprofits
Funding recipient: Church Resources
Project partners: Mercy Health and Aged Care, National Catholic ICT Committee, Queensland Catholic Education Commission (QCEC), Queensland Catholic School Authorities and Queensland Department of State Development.
Project overview and objectives and objectives
The Broadband for Education, Aged Care and Welfare Nonprofits project in regional Queensland aims to address the limited adoption of broadband by non-profit education, aged care and welfare organisations in regional and rural Catholic dioceses of Queensland by raising awareness, understanding and improving broadband service quality and price.
Demand aggregation will improve the ability of these organisations to negotiate their broadband service and pricing levels so they are comparable to metropolitan levels. By assisting with the implementation of broadband applications, organisations that provide community services will have improved access to shared services.
Improved broadband services and network capability in the Queensland Catholic school system will allow for effective delivery teaching, learning, administration and professional development. This is a two-year project, with all activities scheduled for completion by 30 September 2009.
A Broadband Project Officer has been employed to address:
- limited adoption to date by the target nonprofit sectors of broadband enabled services;
- limited ability in target organisations to negotiate favourable broadband service levels and pricing due to lack of collective buying power; and
- lack of network capability in Queensland Catholic school systems for effective delivery of teaching, learning, administration and professional development services via broadband.
Key achievements to date
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The Broadband Project Officer has been active in establishing a steering committee, conducting an online religious education resources trial, looking at broadband connectivity options for Catholic schools in the Cairns and Toowoomba dioceses and assessing broadband aggregation and connectivity options for the Queensland Catholic Education Sector.
Central Highlands Advance Broadband Development
Funding recipient: Central Highlands Development Corporation Limited
Project partners: Broadband wholesalers and retailers, local governments, local SMEs (from mining services, retail, business services, professional, education, agriculture) and State and regional planning groups.
Project overview and objectives
The Central Highlands Advance Broadband Development project in the Central Highlands of Queensland aims to instigate the provision of affordable, efficient internet and communications by stimulating equity of access, pricing and service quality. The focus of the project will cover infrastructure development, strategic planning, broadband awareness and education.
The Broadband Project Officer will work with the Central Highlands Development Corporation to deliver the agreed Central Highlands Advance Broadband Development Action Plan for the region. The Broadband Project Officer will evaluate the current status of broadband capability in the region and undertake mapping of broadband infrastructure in order to determine the requirements for the provision of affordable broadband across the Central Highlands region. This is a two-year project with all activities expected to be completed by 31 January 2010.
A Broadband Project Officer has been employed to address:
- lack of uptake of digital services within local industry and communities;
- gaps in knowledge of broadband infrastructure coverage in the Central Highlands;
- SME readiness to adopt broadband; and
- raise awareness of the value, capacity and usability of Broadband.
Key achievements to date
The Broadband Project Officer has been active in promoting awareness of the project, meeting with stakeholders and working with the Regional Broadband Development Network Steering Committee. Past reports and programs have been reviewed and worked on designing a broadband diagnostic and evaluation tool as well as mapping of broadband access in the region.
Central West Tourism Online
Funding recipient: Central Western Queensland Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD)
Project partners: Local shire councils of: Aramac, Barcaldine, Blackall, Boulia, Barcoo, Diamantina, Ilfracombe, Isisford, Longreach, Winton and Tambo, local tourism groups, businesses and community groups, Outback Queensland Tourism Authority (OQTA) and the Regional Planning Advisory Committee.
Project overview and objectives
The Central West Tourism Online project in Central Western Queensland will implement the Outback Queensland Tourism Authority Book Online project to 86 tourism businesses in the Central Western Queensland Remote Area Planning and Development Board region. Awareness raising activities will be undertaken to build broadband capability and knowledge among tourism operators in the RAPAD area. This is an 18-month project with all activities expected to be completed by 30 June 2009.
A Broadband Project Officer has been employed to address:
- lack of uptake of digital services within local tourism industry and communities; and
- lack of awareness and understanding of broadband benefits and capabilities.
Key achievements to date
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The activities of the BPO have enabled streamlined online tourism bookings such as a tourist being able to book many aspects for a visit to Longreach. Via the booking system tourists can now book accommodation, arrange entrance to the Stockmans Hall of Fame, rodeo tickets, entrance to the Qantas Founders Museum and day tours with Outback Aussie Tours.
Smart Regions
Funding recipient: Moreton Bay Regional Council
Project partners: Queensland, Moreton Bay Region, incorporating Caboolture, Pine Rivers and Redcliff
Project overview and objectives
This project aims to improve the delivery of broadband in the new industrial and residential developments in the Moreton Bay Regional Council local government area. The outcome of the project is a set of guidelines that are intended to improve access to broadband in the new developments within the Moreton Bay Regional Council area by encouraging a local competitive telecommunications environment and facilitating new infrastructure.
The development of a standard set of open access broadband infrastructure guidelines for use by Council and developers will increase the awareness in the community of the benefits of incorporating broadband infrastructure in the planning stages of new developments in conjunction with other amenities.
Key achievements to date
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The project is in the early stages of development commencing in July 2008
SA
Broadband Education for Nonprofits
Funding recipient: Community Information Strategies Australia (CISA) Inc
Project partners: SA Aboriginal Services, SA Aboriginal Health Services, SA Council of Social Service, Volunteering SA and SA Volunteer Resource Centres.
Project overview and objectives
The Broadband Education for Nonprofits project in regional South Australia will conduct education and training programs within nonprofit and community organisations and liaise with broadband suppliers, government and other key players to support the effective use of broadband in target communities.
The Broadband Project Officer will work closely with rural and regional organisations, with a particular focus on Indigenous communities, and build on the work previously undertaken by CISA to engage non profit organisations to enhance their understanding and use of broadband services. Education and training programs will include topics such as voice over IP, audio and videoconferencing, using shared portals and using the internet to create new income streams. It is a two-year project with all activities expected to be completed by 31 October 2009.
A Broadband Project Officer has been employed to address:
- the need for greater awareness and understanding of the benefits of improved connectivity within non profit organisations; and
- increasing the skills of non profit organisations to utilise broadband services.
Key achievements to date
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A Broadband Project Officer was appointed and is currently engaging with stakeholders and conducting community workshops to raise awareness about the benefits of broadband and to increase use.
Broadband Services for Murray and Mallee
Funding recipient: Murraylands Regional Development Board Inc.
Project partners: Internet service providers, Murray and Mallee Local Government Association, Murraylands Regional Development Board, Regional industries and businesses and Riverland Development Corporation.
Project overview and objectives
The Broadband Services for Murray and Mallee project in the Murray and Mallee local government areas of South Australia will work closely with the Regional Development Board, local government, business and industry groups, community groups and government agencies to support broadband infrastructure proposals and improve take up and effective use of broadband throughout the region. It is a two-year project with all activities expected to be completed by 30 September 2009.
A Broadband Project Officer has been employed to address:
- lack of access to broadband;
- geographic remoteness and sparseness of population; and
- lack of awareness and effective use of broadband technologies in the region.
Key achievements to date
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One of the achievements of the Broadband Project Officer is in the demonstration that for one small business owner who now has ADSL. There is evidence that ADSL capability equates to a 90 percent saving in his administration time spent online. The Murraylands farmer once spending up to three hours a day is now spending only 20 minutes to download orders, and calculates this is worth $100 a day to him in increased productivity.
Improving Broadband Access in the Adelaide Hills
Funding recipient: Adelaide Hills Regional Development Board
Project partners: Local government areas of the Adelaide Hills and District Council of Mt Barker
Project overview and objectives
The Improving broadband access in the Adelaide Hills project covers the Local Government areas of the Adelaide Hills and District Council of Mt Barker. The Broadband Project Officer will work collaboratively with broadband providers and local communities to address broadband access issues and encourage new services in remote communities.
Broadband education and awareness raising strategies will assist communities more effectively capitalise on the benefits of broadband in areas such as e-learning,
e-commerce and the economic and social advantages of broadband. It is a two-year project with all activities scheduled for completion by 30 September 2009.
A Broadband Project Officer has been employed to address:
- market and technical impediments to broadband investment and coverage; and
- broadband awareness and capability in key community and business sectors.
Key achievements to date:
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The Broadband Project Officer has been proactive in working with the community, undertaking workshops, surveys and community events, including publishing an online Adelaide Hills broadband resource kit and produced broadband information sheets that continue to inform the community.
Improving Broadband Services for Central Local Government Region
Funding recipient: Central Local Government Region of South Australia Inc.
Project partners: Central Local Government Region of South Australia Inc., fifteen local government councils and South Australian State Government.
Project overview and objectives
The Improving Broadband Services for Central Local Government Region project in the Central Region of South Australia covers 15 councils from the Yorke Peninsula to the Flinders Ranges, Copper Coast and Barossa. The project aims to enhance the understanding of broadband and improve access in rural, regional and remote South Australia. Activities include:
- assisting with the development of business cases for investment in new networks;
- improving usage and broadband capability in communities that currently have access to broadband infrastructure;
- identifying and documenting priority areas and opportunities for improved broadband services; and
- supporting communities and consumers in liaison with service providers.
A Broadband Project Officer has been employed to address:
- continuing patchy availability of terrestrial broadband for small rural communities;
- lack of knowledge of broadband and awareness of the benefits of broadband by consumers and small businesses; and
- collaboration in ICT development across the Central Local Government Region of South Australia.
All activities for the two-year project are scheduled for completion by 30 November 2009.
Key achievements to date
The Broadband Project Officer has been active in promoting the project by:
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facilitating improved broadband availability (working with service providers, councils and regional development boards to identify opportunities for new and improved broadband services);
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facilitating greater understanding of broadband (providing information to assist local communities, business and government organisations to better understand the benefits and capabilities of broadband); and
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facilitating effective use of broadband (working with local community, businesses and government organisations to improve skills that increase effective use of and number of connections to broadband).
TAS
Developing Broadband Infrastructure
Funding recipient: Tasmanian Electronic Commerce Centre
Project partners: Aurora Energy, Tasmanian Electronic Commerce Centre (TECC) and Tasmanian State Government.
Project overview and objectives
The Developing Broadband Infrastructure project will identify opportunities for the development of competitive last mile and second tier broadband infrastructure in regional and rural Tasmania. The project will also seek to extend coverage and access to the Tasmanian Government-funded TASGOVNET optic fibre backbone. This is an 18-month project with all activities scheduled for completion by 30 June 2009.
A Broadband Project Officer has been employed to address:
- uneven access to broadband infrastructure throughout regional Tasmania; and
- opportunities to leverage TASGOVNET investment to increase broadband development in rural and regional Tasmania.
Key achievements to date
The Broadband Project Officer has undertaken broadband awareness raising activities including hosting an information booth at the local government conference held
17 June 2008.
The Broadband Project Officer is currently negotiating with local governments and Aurora Energy Pty Ltd to identify opportunities to incorporate new last mile fibre connections in future infrastructure developments undertaken by a power utility.
VIC
Development and Access to Broadband in the Regions
Funding recipient: Multimedia Victoria (Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development)
Project partners: Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development, Victorian Business Offices, and regional and rural local governments (48 in Victoria).
Project overview and objectives
The Development and access to Broadband in the Regions project in regional Victoria addresses the lack of access to, and understanding of, the benefits of Next Generation Networks infrastructure and services in regional markets, including new regional industrial estates. The Broadband Project Officer will identify new opportunities for improved broadband services and support Next Generation Networks broadband infrastructure and network rollout, as well as focus on improving access and effective use of broadband across key sectors. It is a two-year project with all activities expected to be completed by 30 January 2010.
A Broadband Project Officer has been employed to address:
- uneven broadband and ICT developments between larger urban councils and smaller regional councils.
Key achievements to date
The recruitment process to appoint a Broadband Project officer was finalised in June 2008.
Driving Broadband Uptake at a Local Level
Funding recipient: Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV)
Project partners: ICT service providers, Regional and rural local governments (48 in Victoria), and regional organisations with significant regional telecommunications demands.
Project overview and objectives
The Driving Broadband Uptake at a Local Level project in regional Victoria will support broadband infrastructure development among the Victorian Councils by addressing the uneven broadband and ICT developments between larger urban councils and smaller regional councils.
The Broadband Project Officer will identify opportunities for new/improved broadband services and support Next Generation Network broadband infrastructure and network rollout. This will provide access and effective use at the local government level, particularly in relation to local government activities such as broadband-enabled shared ICT services. It is a two-year project with all activities expected to be completed by
30 January 2010.
A Broadband Project Officer has been employed to address:
- uneven broadband and ICT developments between larger urban councils and smaller regional councils.
Key achievements to date
The Broadband Project Officer is meeting with relevant stakeholders to identify opportunities and understand the issues being faced by Councils.
WA
Broadband Connecting Emergency Services
Funding recipient: Office of e-Government (Department of the Premier and Cabinet Western Australia)
Project partners: Department of the Attorney General, Fire and Emergency Services Authority including the State Emergency Service, local government authorities including Volunteer Bush Fire Brigades and Volunteer Marine Rescue Services, local telecommunications carriers and service providers, regional development commissions, Royal Flying Doctor Service of Western Australia, St John Ambulance, Western Australia Department of Environment and Conservation, and Western Australia Police.
Project overview and objectives
The Broadband Connecting Emergency Services project will address broadband access and the communications interoperability among Western Australias emergency services sector.
The Broadband Project Officer will work with these organisations to analyse the impact of the emergency services communications strategy implementation models on the supply and demand for broadband in regional areas.
Assessing the use of emergency services infrastructure in regional, rural and remote WA for the co-location of existing carrier and planned broadband services will lead to the development of an implementation plan for phase one of the Strategy. This includes developing the necessary protocols and guidelines, and identifying standards, to enable the emergency services organisations to work together to interconnect their communications systems and to share facilities. It is a 12-month project with all activities expected to be completed by 26 January 2009.
A Broadband Project Officer has been employed to address:
- access to broadband in the emergency services sector; and
- communications interoperability among participants in the emergency services sector.
Key achievements to date
The Broadband Project Officer is conducting a survey to gather baseline data on the use of broadband by the emergency services sector. A costing model is being tested to ascertain the effectiveness of providing broadband in regional and rural areas for delivering emergency services.
Mid West Region Backhaul
Funding recipient: Mid West Development Commission
Project partners: Geraldton University Centre, Mid West Development Commission, Mid West mining companies, regional development commissions, Telstra, Western Australia Department of Industry and Resources and other Western Australia government departments.
Project overview and objectives
The Mid West Region Backhaul project will focus on identifying opportunities for broadband development in the local minerals and mining industries as well as planned radio astronomy projects in the Mid West region north of Perth.
The Broadband Project Officer will address the lack of competitive backhaul opportunities through identifying existing regional broadband usage, gaps in service provision and the likely growth rates in future bandwidth.
This information will be used to inform key stakeholders in local government and businesses and to develop a strategy for establishing a wholesale backhaul network. The project will be implemented over a period of approximately 12 months, with all activities completed by 28 February 2009.
A Broadband Project Officer has been employed to address:
- the lack of real price competition in the regional broadband market; and
- the low population base and large distances between populations driving up the cost of accessing backhaul infrastructure.
Key achievements to date
The Broadband Project Officer is meeting with stakeholders to identify opportunities.
Pilbara and Gascoyne Indigenous Broadband Development Officer
Funding recipient: Pilbara Development Commission
Project partners: Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Indigenous communities and institutions,
non-government organisations and small business organisations.
Project overview and objectives
The project will map and evaluate the broadband needs of the Pilbara and Gascoyne regions, focusing on Indigenous communities, small businesses and the pastoral and mining industries.
The Broadband Project Officer will negotiate and work with remote and Indigenous communities in the regions identifying specific broadband projects and linkages. It is a one-year project with all activities expected to be completed by March 2009.
A Broadband Project Officer has been employed to address:
- lack of broadband availability in the Pilbara Indigenous communities, and
- opportunities to leverage commercial activity in the region associated with the mining boom to support aggregated demand and investment in regional broadband communications.
Key achievements to date
The Broadband Project Officer has met with various stakeholders in and around Port Hedland, South Hedland and Wedgefield and also travelled approximately 150km north and visited Pardoo Roadhouse, Pardoo Station/Homestead and Cape Keraudren. He is presently researching what infrastructure is available and what unmet needs there are for both well established mining companies, eg. BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto and junior mining companies in the Pilbara which have formed alliances in order to determine what common infrastructure needs they have in regard to telecommunications. A report detailing these activities is due in July 2008.
