AgForce continues to actively advocate government to support the ongoing funding of the Regional Tech Hub, recognising the important role it plays for rural and regional Queensland producers.
Reliable connectivity remains a consistent challenge across regional Queensland, affecting everything from day-to-day farm operations to safety, emergency response and access to essential services. AgriTech offers new opportunities to lift productivity, improve practices and provide valuable data to farmers. However, while connectivity infrastructure improvements are ongoing, many producers still face practical difficulties when it comes to understanding and resolving connectivity issues.
During 2021-2024, the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) received 51,854 complaints from regional, rural and remote Australians. 69% of complaints come from inner regional Australia, areas like regional coastal centres, larger inland towns and about 31% of complaints come from outer regions, and more isolated communities - of which Queensland has one of the largest areas.
The broader digital inclusion Index (ADII) reinforces the challenge. In 2025 Queensland ranked at 65.0, below Victoria (69.0), New South Wales (68.6) and Western Australia (67.4), placing Queensland sixth nationally - only moderately better than regional Tasmania and Northern Territory and below Queensland metropolitan areas of 71.4
Queensland's producers and regional families should not make up one of the largest shares of Australia's telecommunications complaints simply because of where they live.
The Regional Tech Hub provides a valuable, independent service that helps people navigate these challenges-offering clear advice, troubleshooting support and guidance on the most suitable connectivity options.
AgForce has formally raised the importance of this service need with decision-makers at both state and national level (including via the National Farmers Federation), highlighting both the real-world impacts of poor connectivity and the need for continued stable funding beyond June 2026.
AgForce advocates for a broader approach to Australia's lack of connectivity, that includes stronger industry and government involvement and support extended to those most affected in regional, rural and remote communities.
AgForce will continue to work through appropriate government and industry channels to ensure the needs of rural producers are clearly represented and that services like the Regional Tech Hub remain available to those who rely on them.
