The Queensland Government has launched a new online toolkit and ICT database and directory to assist local businesses to take advantage of the National Broadband Network (NBN) as is rolled out.

 

Treasurer and Minister for State Development and Trade Andrew Fraser said that the NBN will create a “truly borderless digital economy where people will be able to do business anywhere in the world”

“This presents amazing opportunities for Queensland businesses and some challenges too, and that’s why we need to educate, inform and prepare them for what lies ahead.”

 

Available online at the (Australian Information Industry Association) AIIA and Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation websites from July this year, the Digital Economy Toolkit for Queensland Business will include an educational video, as well as a series of education modules and tools.

 

Mr Fraser said the toolkit would be complemented by a series of business workshops to be held in Brisbane, Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Toowoomba and the Wide Bay-Burnett region between July and December.

 

The Queensland Government provided AIIA with $170,000 to produce this toolkit. The second tool – an online directory of ICT providers – will allow customers to match their ICT goods and service needs by firm and region across Queensland.

 

There are currently 634 Queensland companies on the database and ICT companies who have not yet registered can do so at www.ict.industry.qld.gov.au.

 

The companion tool to the online directory is a Queensland ICT R&D Directory which provides a guide to ICT businesses undertaking ICT-related R&D.

 

Mr Fraser said the Queensland Government would continue to work with the AIIA and ICT industry to build and strengthen the State’s ICT capabilities, and promote the power of broadband-enabled business applications.