Internet and Mobile Services : Digital Connectivity - Gaps and Priorities Report

East Gippsland Shire Council has prepared a Digital Connectivity – Gaps and Priorities Report: Lived Experiences of Communities, Businesses and Agencies across East Gippsland.

This report was designed and commissioned by East Gippsland Shire Council to investigate digital connectivity gaps and priorities across East Gippsland within communities, the emergency services sector, health, business and tourism sectors.

The basis on which this report was developed was that the provision of efficient and effective digital connectivity in East Gippsland is critical to its social, economic, environmental and cultural future.

A key factor influencing the future of East Gippsland largest economic sectors, such as agriculture, tourism, construction, health, education and community services is access to secure, fast and reliable internet and mobile services. With the introduction of the Internet of Things across all industries and remote and innovative business opportunities, dependent on fast internet and mobile connections, East Gippsland must be able to compete in this new and challenging economic environment.

The report finds that the existing level of digital inclusivity defined as equitable, accessible and affordable digital connectivity - indicates that not all community members, institutions and businesses are equally included, with the potential for creating digital division across the municipality.

The report proposes both long-term and short-term recommendations for improved telecommunication services across East Gippsland and builds an understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead as we move further into a digitally connected society.

There should be a ‘no winners or losers’ effect in how East Gippsland adapts to this new society, however, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced a fundamental change in the ways we access work, education, government services and much more. Equitable access to telecommunications infrastructure has been an issue in East Gippsland for many years, however, the continuing trend for government services to be delivered online and the reliance on online health and education services for remote and regional communities has highlighted the need for a fundamental shift in the provision of telecommunications infrastructure.

There is still further work to be undertaken. Although the report provides significant advice, there still needs to be a greater understanding of the impact of being excluded or prejudiced in the access to appropriate and effective technology and connectivity.

HOW TO HAVE YOUR SAY

Council is open to all feedback on the report from community members, emergency services, health, community, Aboriginal and welfare agencies, across East Gippsland.

Community consultation open to 14 January 2022

Written submissions can be provided via email to feedback@polisplanning.com.au.

The following document is available for review to support your submission:

East Gippsland Digital Connectivity – Gaps and Priorities Report (available in Document folder on this page)

East Gippsland Digital Connectivity Assessment (available in Documents folder on this page)

NEXT STEPS

East Gippsland Digital Connectivity – Gaps and Priorities Report will be publicly available for four weeks to provide opportunities for the community and stakeholders to make detailed comment and provide feedback.

All feedback will be considered in the implementation of the report and will inform Council’s advocacy and planning into the future.