A new project in Goondiwindi, Queensland, is aiming to bring high-speed and reliable internet to some of the region’s most remote areas and create up to five local jobs during its construction period.
The delivery of the $600,00 Goondiwindi Connectivity Project, covering an estimated 5000 sq km, has been awarded to Field Solutions Group (FSG).
Goondiwindi Regional Council Mayor, Graeme Scheu, said Council recognised the increasing importance of on-farm connectivity to producers, and the project signalled an exciting new era for the region that would 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.
“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 was intended as a pilot with the intention of supporting further digital connectivity and subsequent economic productivity into the future.
“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.”
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 are already active through Moree, Mungindi, and the Balonne region, so this will create a much bigger network for the border region.”
The Goondiwindi region is one of five local government areas to receive funding from the Queensland Government’s Building Our Regions program which provides critical infrastructure in regional areas, while also supporting jobs, fostering economic development and improving the liveability of regional communities.
The project will receive $300,000 from the Queensland Government and $300,000 from the Field Solutions Group and is scheduled to be finished by September 2020.
