Monday, 25 November 2019

Opportunities to improve digital connectivity in Gippsland have been highlighted in a new plan developed by the Gippsland Regional Partnership and funded by the Andrews Labor Government.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing has welcomed the launch of the Gippsland Digital Plan, supported by a share in $1 million through the Labor Government’s Connecting Regional Communities Program.

The plan is one of nine across the state being completed through the Government’s Regional Partnerships, after each region identified digital connectivity as a priority issue.

A series of events will take place across Sale and Morwell to mark the Gippsland plan’s launch, with the Committee for Gippsland welcoming experts from Australia’s largest telecommunications organisations to discuss opportunities for the Gippsland region as part of showcasing the Digital Plan.

The Gippsland Digital Plan has identified current gaps in the region’s digital landscape, while outlining priority actions for how these gaps can be addressed. It brings together information on the region’s digital infrastructure and services to establish the region’s current and emerging gaps, needs and priorities when it comes to connectivity.

Priorities identified in the space include addressing mobile blackspots, providing better services for remote and vulnerable communities, promoting stronger NBN and future technologies, facilitating digital literacy training and enhancing connectivity for tourism across the region.

The Labor Government is rolling out free Wi-Fi across the Latrobe Valley and will deliver an enhanced high-speed broadband network covering the Morwell CBD, Tech School & Innovation Precinct and Gippsland Logistic Precincts.

Other projects underway across the state as part of the $45 million Connecting Regional Communities Program include $7 million in funding for enhanced broadband networks in Geelong and Horsham, and $16.7 million to deliver free public WiFi projects in Ararat, Ballarat and Bendigo.

The Labor Government also recently celebrated the installation of the 150^th new mobile tower as part of the Mobile Black Spot Program.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

Gippsland’s residents, businesses and communities have identified reliable digital connectivity as a key priority – and this comprehensive Gippsland Digital Plan will deliver better technology services to the region.” 

“We’re determined to bridge the digital divide in regional Victoria by engaging with local communities, identifying and delivering priorities like free Wi-Fi across the Valley, and establishing a plan of action to improve mobile and broadband reliability.”