The Albanese Government aims to bridge this digital divide through its $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia.
The plan includes projects to enhance broadband, Wi-Fi, and telephone connectivity in communities such as Aurukun, Horn Island, Mornington Island, and Wujal Wujal in Cape York. Additionally, a new 226 km fibre optic cable between Burketown and Normanton will improve network resilience for 780,000 Queenslanders.
Farmers and primary producers benefit from the On Farm Connectivity Program, which offers rebates up to $30,000. So far, more than 24 farmers in the Cairns area have received $234,000 in total. These funds help optimise soil quality, monitor livestock, and improve water use efficiency, streamlining farm logistics.
Telecommunications infrastructure resilience is also a focus, ensuring connectivity during natural disasters. The ongoing Regional Telecommunications Review, led by former WA Minister for Regional Development Alannah MacTiernan, aims to identify key issues affecting regional Australians in 2024. The review, supported by Kristy Sparrow, Fiona Nash, Dr Jessa Rogers, and Ian Kelly, involves consultations with stakeholders, including small businesses, community groups, and local governments.
The Committee’s face-to-face meetings in Cairns, Thursday Island, and Mornington Island revealed that remote communities, especially in the Torres Strait, suffer from frequent outages. Community members suggested that more engagement from telecommunications companies could lead to better outcomes.
More on connectivity: Cable Connectivity and Resilience Centre launches for improved network reliability
The Albanese Government has already acted on many findings from the 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review, which highlighted the importance of connectivity in the shift to remote and flexible working. By 2025, over 970,000 premises in Queensland will have access to full fibre NBN, with 720,000 already connected. To help with the digital divide, fixed wireless customers will receive speeds of at least 100 Mbps, and SkyMuster users now enjoy uncapped data.
Minister for Communications, Michelle Rowland, emphasised the importance of ensuring every Australian has access to essential services online. She anticipates the upcoming review’s report card and looks forward to further enhancing connectivity in Far North Queensland.
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