Networking the Nation funding received

14 December 1999

The Hon Michael Rondaldson, Federal Member for Ballarat has announced that the Chamber of Electronic Commerce - Western Victoria will receive Networking the Nation funding of $274,000.

The Networking the Nation program aims to assist the economic and social development of regional, rural and remote Australia by funding projects which enhance telecommunications infrastructure and services, increase access and reduce disparities between urban and non-urban Australia.

The Chamber of Electronic Commerce - Western Victoria will develop a regional electronic portal (internet gateway) to service Victoria's Golden West Region. The internet portal named MainStreet.au.com will be established as the region's first point of electronic contact, providing an "umbrella" for the individual websites and pages of business, community, government and other participants. Mr Ronaldson said "This will not only benefit Ballarat but surrounding communities including Ararat, Stawell, Bacchus Marsh, Horsham and Daylesford.

Project Manager, Ross Davey, said the Chamber of Electronic Commerce - Western Victoria will focus on economic growth through enhanced business success over the internet with MainStreet.au.com being its first major initative. "Funding received will contribute towards infrastructure, secretariat and establishment costs for the first year operations of the Chamber of Electronic Commerce - Western Victoria and MainStreet.au.com".

A series of public information sessions about the project are being held throughout the region.