Georgie Somerset
March 20, 2019
AgForce has praised a Federal Government announcement on Wednesday that it will provide $60 million towards improving digital literacy in rural and regional areas.
The “digital tech hub” will provide people with independent information about the choices of digital technologies and applications.
AgForce General President Georgie Somerset said the organisation was looking forward to participating to ensure the guidelines of the hub reflected what farmers and their families have been seeking.
“The hub needs to be developed and delivered by industry to make sure it maintains the quality established by Better Internet for Rural, Regional and Remote Australia (BIRRR),” Mrs Somerset said.
BIRRR was created in 2014 as a “one-stop shop” for relevant information about rural telecommunications.
It has been offering support, independent advice and advocacy about issues including broadband access.
Kristy Sparrow, from BIRRR, has been advocating for improved digital communication in the bush for years.
“BIRRR has been calling for (the hub) for a long time, so I’d like to thank the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee for their recommendations,” she said.
“The tech hub is essential. As a volunteer group we cannot be expected to provide support for those living in rural, regional and remote areas right around Australia.”
The hub was part of a $220 million commitment by the Federal Government to regional communications.
$160 million of this package is for Round 4 of the Mobile Black Spot Program, with commitment to fund Rounds 5 and 6 if re-elected.
Round 4, announced this week, includes 26 new base stations for regional Queensland including base stations at Monogorilby and Jimbour.
Both these towers will be built by Telstra.
Would these funds not be better spent through existing Training Groups, or Organisations such as TAFE and/or Graham House and or the options of correspondence etc etc. Creating paid Jobs in the Regions.
Not to mention just how the Rural areas are in REAL need for coverage. Interactive mapping is available giving a better picture of where funding should be going to essential services.
https://www.cellmapper.net/map?MCC=505&MNC=1&type=UMTS&latitude=-26.61907082500479&longitude=151.05166415248448&zoom=10&showTowers=true&clusterEnabled=true&tilesEnabled=true&heatMapEnabled=false&showOrphans=false&showNoFrequencyOnly=false&showFrequencyOnly=false&showBandwidthOnly=false&DateFilterType=Last&showHex=false&showVerifiedOnly=false&showUnverifiedOnly=false&showLTECAOnly=false&showBand=0&mapType=custom_map&showSectorColours=true