The South West is the most popular regional tourist destination in Western Australia. 
New report reveals potential impact of NBN on South West
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
A report released today by the South West Development Commission has revealed the potential impact of superfast broadband on the South West region.
Prepared by AEC Group on behalf of the Commission, the study highlights the influence the timing of the rollout of the National Broadband Network could have on the region's prosperity.
Commission chairman Steve Harrison said the report presented a persuasive case for the early rollout of the NBN to the region.
"The report highlights how the NBN is likely to positively impact on the region in areas as diverse as health, education and business," he said.
"For instance, the presence of superfast broadband will provide increased opportunities to telework, access specialist health services from other cities in Australia or overseas, and engage in distance learning and education.
"For the South West to participate in the digital economy and remain globally competitive, not to mention socially advantaged, it needs to get connected to the NBN as soon as possible."
Mr Harrison said the Commission had joined forces with Regional Development Australia - South West in its bid to bring the NBN to the region, and would continue to work with its Federal counterpart and other stakeholders to identify what is required for the NBN to be fast-tracked to the South West.
"As part of our efforts to strengthen the case for an early rollout of the NBN to the region we have recently completed mapping of the telecommunications infrastructure across the region, and are planning to develop a digital economy strategy," he said.
"One of our next steps will be hosting a workshop for local government representatives.
"The workshop will be facilitated by Mal Bryce, the architect of Australia's first online community in Ipswich, who spoke at the Commission's recent NBN-themed Critical Horizons conference in Bunbury."
The 'National Broadband Network: Impact Assessment on the South West Region of WA' report was prepared by AEC Group on behalf of the South West Development Commission.
…ENDS
Media contact:
Teneille
Watson
Community Relations Officer
M: 0417 961 051
National Broadband Network: Impact Assessment on the South West Region of WA
