Media Release

Gillard Government provides $5 million to 14 local governments to deliver NBN-enabled services

Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today announced that the Gillard Government is providing $5 million to help 14 local governments take advantage of the National Broadband Network to provide better services to their communities.

"The NBN has the capacity to revolutionise the way local governments interact and provide services to their communities," Senator Conroy said.

"The fast, affordable, and reliable broadband delivered by the NBN allows local councils to put residents and ratepayers at the heart of local government service delivery – where they should be. Ultimately, this means better, more accessible and more convenient services, delivered more efficiently and with less hassle."

The Digital Local Government program is providing funding of up to $375,000 to each local government representing 40 communities among the first to benefit from the NBN.

"The 14 local councils in this round of funding span from Goodna in Queensland to Geraldton in Western Australia and Midway Point in Tasmania. Across Australia, local councils are embracing the NBN because they see the difference it can make to their communities."

The funding will be used to deliver a range of NBN-enabled services, including high-definition videoconferencing to enable greater access to council staff and improved efficiencies in council operations.

"High-definition videoconferencing over the NBN is a great way to bolster important frontline support delivered by councils, as well as other services that require significant consultation, like building and development applications," Senator Conroy said.

"The NBN will also mean residents can participate more easily in town hall meetings and council workshops, without needing to travel long distances to be there in person. This is particularly relevant for Australians living in regional areas where the travel required can prohibit such engagement."

A further funding round for the Digital Local Government Program will be announced later this year. For more details on the Digital Local Government program visit www.dbcde.gov.au/digitallocalgov

Date: 25 July 2012
Contact: Adam Sims 0408 258 457
A list of the 14 councils that received funding is below.

Councils funded to date under the Digital Local Government program

*Funding previously announced.