Digital Economy Update
17 April 2012
NBN rollout plans
NBN Co rollout plans confirm that the Central Highlands Region will be amount the first communities to benefit from the NBN. Rollout activities will include fibre in Bacchus Marsh, Central Ballarat and Creswick and fixed wireless services in parts of the City of Ballarat and Golden Plains, Hepburn, Moorabool and Pyrenees Shires. For more details see www.nbnco.com.au.
Digital economy strategy
The University of Ballarat Centre for eCommerce and Communications (CeCC) and Lateral Plains completed the Central Highlands ICT Study in December 2010. This provides an evidence base to support regional strategic directions and priority actions in the Central Highlands region. See www.cerdi.edu.au/chict_index.php
When CeCC and Lateral Plains last presented to the Mayors and CEOs Forum on 8 July 2011 we highlighted potential funding opportunities under the National Digital Economy Strategy at that meeting. These included the Digital Hubs program, Digital Enterprise initiative, NBN-Enabled Education and Skills Program and Digital Local Government program
At that time it was clear that the Moorabool Shire would benefit as one of the first 40 communities to benefit from the NBN. CeCC was seeking confirmation that the Ballarat and Surrounds fixed wireless area would be eligible for funding under future funding rounds
Digital Hubs and Digital Enterprise programs
On Friday 13 April, Senator Conroy announced round three of the Digital Hubs and Digital Enterprise programs www.minister.dbcde.gov.au/media/media_releases/2012/050
The local government areas of Ballarat, Golden Plains, Hepburn and Pyrenees are eligible Victorian communities under Round 3. The Moorabool Shire was eligible under Round 2 of the programs
The Digital Hubs program will provide residents in the local community with training in digital literacy skills to help them to participate in the NBN-enabled digital economy. Community organisations, including public libraries and local councils are eligible to provide the activities. The total amount of funding provided for the operation of a Digital Hub will generally be between $150,000 and $350,000 for a period of two years www.dbcde.gov.au/digital_economy/programs_and_initiatives/digital_hubs_program
The Digital Enterprise program will provide training and advice to small-to-medium sized enterprises and not-for-profit organisations, including local cultural institutions. The program will help these organisations to better understand how they can maximise the opportunities for greater digital engagement, enabled by the NBN. The total amount of funding provided in an eligible location will generally be between $140,000 and $270,000 for a period of two years. www.dbcde.gov.au/digital_economy/programs_and_initiatives/digital_enterprise_program
Benefits of coordinated response
Key stakeholders including the Central Highlands Mayors and CEOs, Ballarat ICT, Central Highlands ICT working group, Lateral Plains and University of Ballarat will be working together to respond to these and other digital economy opportunities using a coordinated approach. A Digital Economy Information and Planning session is scheduled for 26 April 2011.
If you would like any further information please contact Helen Thompson via email h.thompson@ballarat.edu.au or George Fong George@lateralplains.com