Goondiwindi region to transform on-farm connectivity

A new project in the Goondiwindi region is aiming to begin to transform the region’s digital capabilities - with a focus on high-speed, reliable internet for primary producers.

The Goondiwindi Connectivity Project is set to transform the digital capabilities of the region, bringing high-speed and reliable internet to some of its most remote areas and creating up to five local jobs during its construction period.

The delivery of the trial project has been awarded to Field Solutions Group (FSG). The $600,000 total project will deliver reliable digital connectivity and high-speed internet in the region’s more rural areas, covering an estimated 5000km2 in the region.

Goondiwindi Regional Council Mayor Graeme Scheu said Council recognises the increasing importance of on-farm connectivity to producers in our region and the project signals an exciting new era for the region that will have a lasting and meaningful impact on its global connectivity.

“Technology is advancing all the time and is presenting new and exciting ways to increase the productivity and global possibilities of local rural businesses, which are the backbone of our region,” he said.

“So digital connectivity is a priority for us as a Council, to make sure our residents and businesses can tap into those opportunities.”

The Mayor said that securing a high-speed internet connection throughout the entire region would unfortunately be beyond the scope of this single project due to funding limitations. However, the project is intended as a pilot with the intention to support further digital connectivity and subsequent economic productivity into the future, he said.

He also said it was an opportunity for producers to be hands-on and proactive about ensuring the future of our region’s connectivity.

“We’re a region that’s becoming more and more known for our AgTech sector – so if anyone’s going to knuckle down and come up with a solution then surely it’s us,” he said.

FSG will utilise existing infrastructure (including the Goondiwindi Water Tower and privately-owned silos) to create the new network, as well as constructing new access sites and other communication infrastructure across the region. FSG has established relationships with local businesses in Narrabri, Moree and Goondiwindi, who support the FSG Regional team based in Moree. Theses local businesses assist with local support.

“FSG are already active through Moree, Mungindi, and the Balonne region, so this will create a much bigger network for the border region,” Cr Scheu said.

The Goondiwindi region is one of five local government areas in the state to receive funding from the Queensland Government’s Building Our Regions (BoR) program to provide critical infrastructure in regional areas of Queensland, while also supporting jobs, fostering economic development and improving the liveability of regional communities. The project will receive $300,000 from the BoR program and another $300,000 will be matched by FSG.

The project is scheduled to be finished by September 2020.

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For more information, please contact:

Councillor Graeme Scheu

Mayor

Goondiwindi Regional Council

Mobile: 0427 718 877

Email: mayor@grc.qld.gov.au