The Queensland Minister for Information and Communication Technology Simon Finn has launched the Queensland NBN strategic plan: The Queensland Government’s plan for making the most of the National Broadband Network.

 

Speaking in Toowoomba at local ICT business Downs MicroSystems, Minister Finn said the Bligh Government would leverage the NBN to develop enhanced government services such as home based health care.

 

“The NBN will be a critical catalyst for social and economic transformation across all parts of Queensland,” Mr Finn said.

 

“Higher-speed broadband will enrich lives, through better connections between people and organisations, more opportunities for learning and improved healthcare, and greater business opportunities.

 

“We cannot just wait and see how the NBN might improve our lives – for it to be truly successful and to make the most of the opportunities it presents, it is up to all of us to engage, collaborate and explore new ways to use it.

 

“That’s why we have developed a comprehensive strategy that involves working closely with all tiers of government, industry, the not-for-profit sector and the broader community.

 

“The purpose of releasing the plan is to collaborate with these stakeholders to develop and prioritise initiatives to build a holistic NBN master plan for the benefit of all Queenslanders.

 

“The State Government worked with the Federal Government, NBN Co and local councils to ensure the plan considered all stakeholders,” he said.

 

Mr Finn said in April 2011, a discussion paper called Queensland’s approach to the National Broadband Network was released for consultation.

 

“We received responses from industry, government agencies, the community and school students, which have guided the development of the Queensland NBN Strategic Plan,” he said.

 

The main themes that emerged from the community’s responses to the discussion paper were the need for:

  • greater awareness through community and other forums on the emerging benefits Queenslanders can gain from the NBN and high speed broadband;
  • collaboration between local and state governments, local businesses and communities to maximise returns, particularly around regional development and jobs;
  • access to digital literacy courses at all levels for people to develop their skills to make the most of the NBN;
  • improved disaster and emergency management through enabling greater information flows between communities and emergency response agencies using the NBN;
  • the gap in service delivery between regional and urban Queenslanders to be closed by using the NBN to distribute expertise and improved services like health and education.

“These responses helped formulate the five key focus areas of the plan – awareness, collaboration, digital literacy, emergency management and service delivery – which will be addressed over the next four years,” he said.

 

“I am confident that the launch of the Queensland NBN Strategic Plan will help guide Queenslanders to make the most of the NBN.”

 

The strategy and discussion paper are available for download at www.qgcio.qld.gov.au.