Western Qld Councils ready for fresh approach to digital connectivity
The Western Queensland Alliance of Councils (WQAC) has welcomed the findings and recommendations of the 2021 Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee. The Committee’s report validates the key concerns and proposed solutions detailed in the WQAC’s 2021 Digital Connectivity Blueprint.
The report directly references the WQAC submission which highlights a core issue for regional digital communications specifically that there’s plenty of digital investment in the regions, but it continues to deliver a ‘patchwork quilt’ of connectivity:
‘[The] ongoing investment by all levels of government to bridge the digital gap. This activity, while with the best intent, has taken place in an uncoordinated manner, resulting in what has become defined as a ‘patchwork quilt’ of connectivity in the region.’
Page 22 - 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review, Western Queensland Alliance of Councils submission.
The Alliance acknowledges all three levels of government have strived to improve the connectivity within remote Australia. Across Western Queensland, many grants, and initiatives (public and private) have incrementally bridged the digital gap. While welcomed, these have created a ‘patchwork quilt’ of connectivity that now requires a refreshed approach.
The Committee’s report and the WQAC Blueprint have identified a refreshed approach and we urge the Federal Government to grasp this opportunity to achieve its objective of Australia being a digital world leader by 2030. The WQAC stands ready to be part of the solution and provide the future state model for regional Australia.
Cr Samantha O’Toole, Mayor of Balonne Shire Council and Chair of the South West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils said:
“Our members enthusiastically welcome the 2021 Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Report. It speaks to the real issue holding back our social and economic development. Connectivity is at the heart of keeping us safe and secure. We urge the Australian Government to act decisively on the report’s recommendations to drive change for all regional communities across Australia.”
“Through our Blueprint we have put forward an approach to the Australian Government to benefit all stakeholders; it will directly address all the recommendations identified by the Review. Our Digital Blueprint for improved regional connectivity builds upon the Federal Government’s plans to date,” Cr O’Toole said.
Cr Tony Rayner, Mayor of Longreach Regional Council and Chair of the Remote Area Planning and Development Board said:
“The Australian Government’s Digital Economy Strategy 2030 seeks to make Australia a digital leader and has been welcomed by industry and community groups. For this to be achieved, closer collaboration across all levels of government and industry is vital to ensuring fair and equitable digital connectivity to every Australian.”
“Our Blueprint is based on eight (8) pillars that will sow together the ‘patchwork quilt of regional connectivity’. The Blueprint represents the solution to the well-known issues now captured within the telecommunications review. The pillars are:
Unified Governance across all stakeholders – governments, industry & community
Assessing Digital Demand – industry and community
Assessing Digital Supply – current capacity
Identifying Pragmatic Policy Priorities - bridging the digital gap between demand and supply
Community Engagement – ensuring all stakeholders have input to achieve the best outcomes
Quantifying the Investment – how much, where and when required
Monitoring and evaluation – ensuring good governance and accountability
Risk Analysis – assessment and mitigation.”
Cr Jack Bawden, Mayor of Carpentaria Shire Council and Chair of the North West Queensland regional Organisation of Councils said:
“We recognise that the vast distances and small population of the Western Queensland, and other rural and remote regions across Australia, present policy makers and leaders with many challenges, not least of which is overcoming the inequity of the high cost and poor service suffered in our areas. However, the Committee’s report points the way forward to overcoming the numerous digital gaps that place constraints on our social and economic development.
“Our region makes a vital contribution to the state and national economies, and this can grow even further with better digital connectivity that enhances liveability,” Cr Bawden said.
Link: WQAC – Western Queensland Digital Connectivity - Blueprint
26 February 2022