Benefits of the internet
UNIVERSITY of Southern Queensland research is showing major community benefits resulting from being digitally connected in remote communities.
A digital connection is increasingly being seen as crucial to service delivery, economic development and quality of life in regions.
In a 2015 landmark agreement, Barcoo and Diamantina Shires successfully lobbied to have fibre optic cable connected, and mobile phone coverage, in five remote communities – Birdsville, Bedourie, Jundah, Stonehenge and Windorah.
Outside these towns, the Skymuster satellite provides internet access.
USQ researchers have been conducting a study in these western Queensland communities into the social and economic benefits from being connected.
Project leader Professor Jim Cavaye said the detailed information would be valuable in the roll-out of further digital connection in remote communities across Australia.
“The results collected will help inform other initiatives to establish and improve internet and phone connection in rural and remote Australia,” Prof Cavaye said.
“The study has involved face to face interviews with a wide range of community members and business operators across communities in the two shires.
“It’s a three-year study that will assess impacts over time.”
The study is supported by the Barcoo and Diamantina Shire Councils, Telstra, the Department of Science, Information Technology and Innovation, the Local Government Association of Queensland and the Remote Area Planning and Development Board.
In 2016, residents were interviewed to set a baseline of social and economic characteristics in the communities prior to improved connection.
They were again interviewed last year to give feedback on the impact of connection. Interviewees included business operators, graziers, police, schools, health clinics and council staff.
Initial results showed that digital connection has led to improved access to services such as health, education and banking, and that business owners have been able to more efficiently order goods, promote their business and receive payments.
A digital connection has also supported tourism, people have been better able to communicate with friends and family and access entertainment, and it has also helped to prepare for and manage emergencies.
“Importantly, it hasn’t changed social connections between community members. People still talk to each other and texting in social situations is discouraged,” Prof Cavaye said.
Barcoo Shire Mayor Bruce Scott said this was one of the first times that there had been detailed data collected about the impact of digital connection in remote Australia.
“The benefits of connection drove our effort to lobby for the cable and mobile coverage,” Mr Scott said.
“But now we have reliable information about the nature and extent of the community benefits.”