Logan City Council has taken the first step towards reviewing the city's digital network and identifying what is needed to deliver better connectivity for residents and business.
Existing digital infrastructure will be reviewed and assessed and feedback will be sought on connectivity issues that may be impacting everyday life, working from home and doing business.
Council today supported the building of a business case to fully understand the challenges being faced across the city and what digital infrastructure is needed to support speedy connectivity and strong economic growth.
The review will examine existing networks along with new technologies and services that could be embraced.
The business case will assess not only internet, Wi-Fi and mobile phone networks but will also look at potential benefits from increased fibre-optic cabling, satellite technology and even data centres based in Logan.
City Planning, Economic Development and Environment Chair, Councillor Jon Raven said it was important that research was done as soon as possible to understand community needs.
"We won't be a modern city unless we have a modern digital network," Cr Raven said.
"Logan is already recognised as the logistics hub of South-East Queensland. To become a Health and Advanced Manufacturing powerhouse, we need next-generation digital infrastructure.
"Our city is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia. People want to live here and businesses want to base their operations close to our young population.
"To keep that growth going, we have to ensure ultra-fast and reliable connectivity to internet and communications networks."
Cr Raven said the business case would provide Council with a powerful platform from which to seek Federal and State Government support for investment in new and improved digital infrastructure in the City of Logan.
"Every resident in Logan deserves the opportunity to access affordable world-class internet and our businesses need access to high-capacity cost-effective networks that allow them to compete globally.
"But we don't know what we don't know. This business case will identify what is needed suburb-by-suburb to achieve those goals.
"We will then have the knowledge to fully understand what gaps exist in our digital network and where investment is required."
Expressions of interest will be sought shortly seeking a consultant to steer the business case, which is expected to take up to four months.
