Outback Qld internet speeds up

Internet speeds will be increased in outback Queensland with the implementation of a $16.5 fibre-optic network.

A rollout of 500 km of fibre-optic cable has been completed for the outback communities of Stonehenge, Jundah, Windorah, Birdsville and Bedourie.

The Queensland Government invested $6.25 million in the rollout.

“This is a project Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has taken special interest in, because we understand the potential of faster broadband connectivity to drive innovation and economic diversification in the bush,” said Mark Furner, Minister for Local Government and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships.

“In a region growing in importance for oil and gas reserves, fibre-optic cable means so much more than buffer-free Netflix.

“The project has supported 60 jobs and brings huge potential for health, education and emergency services, local business and tourism.”

The federal government also contributed funding in addition to more than $4 million from Barcoo and Diamantina Shire Councils.

Diamantina Mayor Geoff Morton said the fibre-optic cable was transforming outback communities.

“Health clinics now have instant access to professional advice and the ability to deliver telemedicine with specialists in major hospitals,” Morton said.

“Reliable optic fibre is changing the way our local communities do business.”

Furner said Barcoo and Diamantina Shire Councils recently won the Local Government Managers Association 2017 Excellence in Community Shaping Award.

“Not only is this is a digital revolution, it is an excellent example of what can be achieved with the strong local leadership of mayors and all levels of government working together for the benefit of local communities,” he said.

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/arcoss

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