$35 million boost for Victorian online access and innovation

A $35 million package to expand broadband services across Victoria and drive uptake of new internet technologies was announced as part of Innovation: Victoria’s Future, the 2008 Innovation Statement launched today by the Premier John Brumby.

Information and Communication Technology Minister Theo Theophanous said the Brumby Government was taking action to make Victoria the best place to live, work and raise a family by delivering better public access to the latest technologies.

“To boost connectivity across Victoria, $20 million will go to VicFibreLINKS to provide better service through new optic fibre capacity in strategic regional markets,” Mr Theophanous said.

“The program will promote economic development by driving greater competition in the supply of regional telecommunications services and better skills delivery. “The program will promote economic development by driving greater competition in the supply of regional telecommunications services."

“Large regional centres, such as Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and the Latrobe Valley, are well served with more than one provider of fibre infrastructure.”

“However, important areas of Victoria have growing populations, a strong regional industry and government presence but are being held back by the lack of competitive broadband services.

“This means businesses in these regions are currently paying higher prices and have less choice in the range and nature of services offered.”

Mr Theophanous said the Commonwealth’s National Broadband Network would greatly increase data speeds in the fixed access network.

“Combined with the rapidly growing demand for high speed mobile data, this means the demands on regional backhaul or network and hub connectivity are only going to increase – which is why VicFibreLINKS will be so important,” he said.

Mr Theophanous said the $20 million project would also provide a state subsidy for the development of new open access fibre backhaul infrastructure in key regions, including runs from Bendigo to Mildura via Echuca and Swan Hill and Geelong to Warrnambool, with other potential projects to be considered.

Mr Theophanous said $15 million for a collaborative Internet Innovation Fund (cIIF) was also announced in the Innovation Statement to develop next generation ICT projects for innovative ways of working across Government services, communities and businesses.

“These technologies can be utilised in areas such as education, health, environment management, community development and emergency services delivery and can bring about new ways of thinking and problem solving across these vital sectors.”

The initial public call for project proposals will occur in mid-September 2008.

“cIIF will also work in conjunction with the Brumby Government’s recently announced broadband innovation grant to regional Victorian municipalities, aimed at improving the ICT capabilities of local governments,” Mr Theophanous said.

"The Brumby Government is keen to expand innovative ICT initiatives by creating sustainable, strategic projects at the local level.

“This is important to ensure all Victorians but particularly those in rural and regional areas reap the economic and social benefits provided by utilising new technologies.”