- McGowan Government delivers on State Telecommunications Infrastructure Audit to guide future investment, including the $22 million Agricultural Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund
- Atlas a national first in mapping telecommunications assets
Improved digital connectivity for businesses and communities across regional Western Australia is a step closer, with the release today of the Digital Infrastructure Atlas.
The public atlas maps the locations of key telecommunications infrastructure throughout the State, such as telephone exchanges, optic fibre trunklines and radio communication sites.
The resource lays the foundations for the business and investment sector to identify and evaluate opportunities for investments that would improve digital connectivity for regional businesses and communities.
The atlas has been produced as part of the McGowan Government's promised State Telecommunications Infrastructure Audit to guide future investments, including its $22 million Agricultural Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund to drive regional growth.
The Digital Infrastructure Atlas can be accessed on the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's website at http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/digitalinfrastructureatlas
As stated by Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"It is imperative that our agricultural sector and regional enterprises have the digital connectivity they need to participate in an increasingly competitive and globalised economy.
"The State Government's Agricultural Telecommunications Infrastructure Fund will enable alternative solutions and business models to emerge that can service Western Australia's unique operating environment."
As stated by Innovation and ICT Minister Dave Kelly:
"The atlas is testament to the McGowan Government's commitment to bridge the digital divide. It is vital that we provide an operating environment that will generate productivity, growth and employment opportunities throughout the State.
"The atlas will help to open the door to initiatives that will improve digital connectivity in the regions, stimulating regional innovation and enhancing the business capacity and lifestyle of Western Australians. It will aid us in getting the best possible 'bang for our buck' by enabling identification of areas where need is greatest, or where existing infrastructure can be most effectively leveraged."
