Connected Queensland: infrastructure to strengthen our connectivity
Connectivity – the capacity to be connected either by road, rail, air or sea transport or by communication technology rapidly, efficiently, safely and cheaply – is a critical element in developing Queensland as the Smart State.
In a world where information is the new currency, we must be able to communicate easily with each other, and with the rest of the world. The capacity of the State’s physical infrastructure to connect all Queenslanders will determine the extent of our capacity for innovative and creative enterprise.
The 2003 report of the Australian Government’s Broadband Advisory Group concluded that ‘harnessed effectively, broadband connectivity will be a key driver of Australia’s Gross Domestic Product, jobs and wages growth.’ The Group stated:
'Broadband technologies will be the "road and railway" of the 21st century, generating the next wave of economic expansion. Just as transport opened up new economic horizons in the last centure, advanced communication networks will pave the way for productivity gains across global economies in the new century.'
Information, communication and technology infrastructure, then, is of increasing economic and social importance. High-speed connectivity – be it through broadband or satellite technology or a yet-to-be invented technology – has a particularly important role in stimulating economic and social development in Queensland because of its potential to:
- diversify the economic base of the State
- increase productivity
- increase international trade
- improve service delivery, particularly to residents of isolated areas
- generate participation in the information society
- allow individuals to communicate cheaply and speedily with colleagues, family members, friends and others, irrespective of their location.
Telecommunications infrastructure and service delivery is provided by commercial entities such as Telstra and Optus with the Federal Government having regulatory responsibility. Given this public policy environment, the State Government has only a limited role. Despite this, the Queensland Government has worked hard over the past six years to increase investments in telecommunications infrastructure to expand service delivery, especially in regional and rural Queensland. We will continue to use our buying power and ownership of infrastructure throughout the State to improve and expand telecommunications service delivery and get a better deal for Queenslanders.
However, only the Federal Government, through its regulatory powers and ownership stake in Telstra, can provide a comprehensive and effective response to address Australia’s current and future telecommunications and broadband needs.
Local Publisher goes online
With State Government assistance through the Queensland Industry Development Scheme, Maleny publishing firm eContent Management P/L is moving into online international distribution of its successful innovation management, health policy and nursing education journals.
Company Principal James Davidson says the company made the right decision to move from Sydney to Queensland. ‘We relocated not just because the Sunshine Coast has broadband infrastructure, but also due to Queensland’s high quality of life, the talent pool and values of potential employees and the State Government’s reputation for being very supportive of innovative knowledge-based companies.’
With deregulation and the partial privatisation of Telstra, the Federal Government promised a strengthened Universal Service Obligation for voice services and imposed a licence condition on Telstra to support a minimum dial-up internet rate over its fixed line network. This rate does not meet the basic needs of Queensland’s business or residential users. As advanced business and consumer applications continue to develop, the need for higher bandwidth telecommunications services well beyond voice and basic internet is increasing. The Federal Government has a unique opportunity and a responsibility to deliver access to cost-effective, high-speed broadband across Australia.
The Queensland Government will:
- pressure the Federal Government to ensure delivery of cost-effective, high-speed broadband that meets the current and future needs of residential and business users across Queensland. Access to broadband technology has the potential to transform how we live and work. Broadband connectivity will be a key driver of economic growth and jobs and wages growth. Businesses, regardless of their size or location can network and access global markets. For students, broadband can open up learning opportunities from around the world and it enables researchers to become part of global scientific and innovation networks.
- provide a uniform, streamlined development approvals process for telecommunications infrastructure that is consistent across Queensland. Current development approvals applied by local government authorities are inconsistent and add to time and costs. A streamlined process will reduce existing barriers to the rollout of telecommunications infrastructure and enable faster delivery of improved telecommunication services to businesses and the community.
- develop an online telecommunications information portal for business and communities. It will provide a comprehensive single point for local government, industry providers and consumers to find and share useful information on telecommunications in Queensland as part of a broader effort to reduce the barriers to the rollout of telecommunications infrastructure and services.
- examine options to promote further rollout of very high-speed broadband infrastructure through combining State and local government-owned alternative access points into all premises (such as electricity poles, pits, pipes, road and rail easements). These assets could be used in partnership with private providers to increase competitive choices for consumers. This initiative is subject to a detailed business case assessment.