60/07
Monday 14 May 2007
Clever Networks Round Two — delivering smarter broadband solutions
The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator the Honourable Helen Coonan, today called for a further round of submissions under the Australian Government’s Clever Networks program.
“Clever Networks continues to deliver funding for smart solutions that provide the use of broadband for the delivery of services in regional, rural and remote Australia,” Senator Coonan said.
The Clever Networks program has a focus on the use of broadband in health, education, government and emergency services.
“The Round 2 guidelines place a greater focus on encouraging applications from organisations directly involved in the delivery of these —such as community groups and not-for-profit organisations .
“I encourage all those interested applicants to have a good look at the successful projects from Round 1.” Senator Coonan said.
Applications for funding under Round 2 of the Clever Networks program must be lodged by 5.00pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) Monday 9 July 2007.
It is likely that successful applications will involve projects from broadband service providers, and possibly other organisations able to provide similar services.
“The Clever Networks program represents an important part of the Australian Government’s strategy to use next generation telecommunications infrastructure to underpin innovation and the smarter delivery of essential services,” Senator Coonan said.
On 17 April 2007, Senator Coonan announced 16 preferred applicants under Round 1 of the Clever Networks Innovative Services Delivery element.
Winning projects announced so far include:
- $1.4 million to Scope Connect to help people with disabilities in Victoria to receive remote advice or assessment via two-way audio and video from psychological therapists located in regional centres in Victoria.
- $4 million provided for two projects in regional NSW to provide broadband between public hospitals and health facilities to share medical records and conduct remote assessments via two-way audio and video.
- $1.1 million today announced for TAFE SA Regional Institute’s Clever Training project to use broadband technology to provide online lectures at homes and workplaces to break down the barrier of distance that limits access to technical education.
Clever Networks is part of the Australian Government’s $1.1 billion Connect Australia package.
Guidelines and the submission package for round 2 are available at www.dcita.gov.au/clever_networks
Media Contact: Fiona Telford - 02 6277 7480