ICT and regional development in Australia

Abstract

[Abstract]: Traditionally, regional Australia has lagged behind urban regions from the point of view of the provision of infrastructure to facilitate information and communication technology (ICT). This has generally meant that the transformation to the ‘new economy’ has been much slower as evidenced by a dearth of businesses embracing ICT and so ‘missing out’ on the benefits and opportunities it affords. This however needs to be tested and this article explores this assertion. It overviews the development within the Hervey Bay region of Australia of information technology infrastructure which has in recent times, spawned the development of community based information technology driven organisations. A number of initiatives have emerged within this region promoting the acceptance of a ‘knowledge-based future’. This article looks at one such initiative - Bay Connect a community based Internet development and training project - and considers its impact on the community. The article also documents the state of play regarding the provision of Internet and broadband digital services infrastructures within the Hervey Bay region.