The Queensland Government has released a discussion paper: Queensland’s approach to the National Broadband Network, and called for feedback from the community about ways to best use the NBN.

 

Information and Communication Technology Minister Simon Finn said the Queensland Government would use the ideas, suggestions and comments received to help shape a statewide master plan for the use of the NBN.

 

“The NBN rollout is worth $9 billion to Queensland’s economy and it will support 5,550 construction jobs,” he said.

 

Townsville is one of five NBN first release sites,  and businesses and residents there will be among the first in Australia to get the NBN. A Digital Business Development Officer has been appointed in Townsville to help local businesses prepare for the NBN roll-out.

 

Questions raised in the discussion paper include:

  • How should the Queensland Government expedite the roll out and encourage use of the network?
  • How could the National Broadband Network play a role in future disaster response?
  • How could the Queensland Government help people to develop their digital literacy?
  • How could the network foster regional and economic development, including the creation of new sectors and services and jobs?

The Queensland government will use feedback on the paper to develop a state-wide master plan for the roll out and use of the National Broadband Network in Queensland.

 

The NBN discussion paper is available at www.getinvolved.qld.gov.au/consultqld/.  Consultation closes on 21 April 2011.