Vic commits $1m to closing regional digital divide

The Victorian Government has committed $1 million towards helping the state’s nine regional partnerships develop plans for improving connectivity and creating new digital hubs.

The new program will include investigative fieldwork and mapping of current services including mobile coverage, improving broadband connectivity for businesses and establishing digital hubs and co-working spaces.

Each plan will seek to identify the region’s digital infrastructure needs as well as the local opportunities to apply technologies to improving economic and social outcomes.

All nine of the regional partnerships have called for improvements to digital infrastructure and identified the need to address the digital divide.

The nine regional partnerships cover Barwon, Central Highlands, Gippsland, Goulburn, Great South Coast, Loddon Campaspe, Ovens Murray, Mallee and Wimmera Southern Mallee.

“We know that local communities are best placed to determine their priorities. We heard that digital connectivity was an absolute must for our Regional Partnerships — and we’re getting on with the job,” Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford said.

“Improved digital connectivity will bring considerable benefits to regional Victoria — improving health, education and employment outcomes, and supporting businesses, economic growth and jobs in the region.”

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