Plan to map region’s digital services

AN AUDIT of telecommunications and digital infrastructure across the Geelong region is being carried out as part of the state government’s Regional Partnerships program. Work to help create digital plans for each of Victoria’s nine regions is well under way,

Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford announced in a speech to Rural Councils Victoria in Melbourne last week.  More than $1 million is being put towards the digital plans, which will bring together the most comprehensive and up-to-date information on each region’s digital infrastructure and services.

The state government is working closely with the Barwon Regional Partnership to develop a digital plan tailored to address the specific needs and priorities of the region. The approach includes investigative fieldwork and mapping of existing services including mobile coverage, improved fixed broadband for businesses, and digital hubs and co-working spaces.

The state government is undertaking significant investment in overall digital connectivity in regional Victoria, with the 2017/18 budget including $45 million for the Connecting Regional Communities Program. This funding was in direct response to the community following all nine Regional Partnerships calling for improvements to digital infrastructure.

“This project provides another step towards realising the Barwon Regional Partnership priority for increasing internet capacity and access to digital learning and cloud-based resources to improve education outcomes and job creation,” Barwon Regional Partnership chair Kylie Warne said.

“This is critical for the Barwon region in support of our young people, leveraging our competitive advantages and creating jobs and industries for the future.” The Barwon region comprises the four municipalities of Greater Geelong, Colac Otway, Surf Coast and Queenscliffe.

The first versions of the digital plans are to be finalised by mid-year. This year’s Barwon Regional Assembly will be held at Wallington/Ocean Grove on May 31, while the Great South Coast Regional Assembly will be held in Hamilton on June 13.