The Bendigo Community Telco has been sited in the Australian Local Government Association’s 2006-2007 State of the Regions report as an example for Local Government to follow in keeping up with the move to the broadband super highway.
Other Local Government areas with innovative projects include a ‘smart communities’ project in the Uralla Shire in Northern New South Wales.This project has grown into a ‘Granite Globe’ business with several IT firms setting up in the area.
South Australia’s Coorong District Council in South Australia and the Murray Bridge Rural City Council were also praised for their innovative telecommunications approach.
The 158 page State of the Regions 2006-07 report, says improving the capacity for innovation in regional Australia will enhance export opportunities and bring better paid and more highly skilled employment. It builds on the State of the Regions 2005-06 report, which identified communications infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth.
As the first communications organisation of its type in Australia, the Bendigo Community Telco started in 2000. It was initiated by the City of Greater Bendigo and developed by the Bendigo Bank and associates. The report points out that the telecommunication spend in the area covered by the telco has grown to about $160 million a year.
Bendigo Community Telco offers line rental, internet access, local and long distance calls on fixed lines and mobile telephone services, mirroring the services offered by its larger competitors.
The report found that as investment capacity of the firm increases, the telco is playing an increasingly important role in boosting telecommunication infrastructure in the Bendigo region. It also provides more local and relatively highly skilled jobs, adding to the skills base of the immediate region.
The telco also enhances the environment for creating telecommunication businesses, as skilled workers look at setting up for themselves and businesses consider moving to the region.
