Federal Government invests $5m for NBN-related council services
- 25 July, 2012 10:52
- Comments 2
The Federal Government is investing over $5 million to help 14 local governments utilise National Broadband Network (NBN) enabled services.
Each local government will receive $375,000 in funding under the Digital Local Government program to deliver NBN-enabled services, such as high-definition video conferencing.
"High-definition videoconferencing over the NBN is a great way to bolster important frontline support delivered by councils, as well as other services that require significant consultation, like building and development applications," said senator Stephen Conroy, minister for broadband, communications and the digital economy.
"The NBN will also mean residents can participate more easily in town hall meetings and council workshops, without needing to travel long distances to be there in person. This is particularly relevant for Australians living in regional areas where the travel required can prohibit such engagement."
The 14 local government areas to receive funding include:
- Armidale Dumaresq Council (NSW) - Blacktown City Council (NSW) - Coffs Harbour City Council (NSW) - Circular Head Council (TAS) - Dorset Council (TAS) - George Town Council (TAS) - Glamorgan Spring Bay Council (TAS) - Sorell Council (TAS) - Ipswich City Council (QLD) - Toowoomba Regional Council (QLD) - City of Tea Tree Gully (SA) - City of Greater Geraldton (WA) - Town of Victoria Park (WA) - ACT Government (ACT)
Kiama Minicipal Council (NSW); Moreland City Council (VIC); and City of Onkaparinga (SA) have already received funding under the program.
Further funding under the Digital Local Government program will be announced later this year.
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Comments
wendy smithtond
1
Lots of money from the fed govt for lots of things - where is it coming from - and I wonder why?
ai-u
2
@1 Wendy
I'll tell you why. The NBN was supposed to provide an evenhanded wholesale service unlike Telstra. Cries from the community about lack of education on how best to use this service have pushed the government into providing a service that the retailers, who in the long run are charging these customers for the service, are failing to do. Turnbull can talk all he likes about lack of competetion, but where are these competitors when they are needed? They are not stepping up to the mark. Once again the government has to step in, just as it had to with the NBN in the first place, becausr the Telcos couldn't come up with a decent system.
I see there may be difficulties in providing education for a system that provides opportunities for applications that have not even been thought of yet, but surely that is when the retailers should be looking forward to how to differentiate themselves.