RDA Goldfields Esperance planning for a Digital Future

Published: 13th July 2012

RDA Goldfield Esperance (Western Australia) recently held a workshop to examine the roll out of the National Broadband Network (NBN) and how it will impact the Esperance community.

The workshop in Esperance on Wednesday 20 June 2012 was a joint initiative of the RDA and the Esperance Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Former Tasmanian Premier the Hon David Bartlett, now Director of Explor Consulting, presented a series of unique insights into the digital fibre rollout process and how it has affected other communities around the country.

The workshop was an opportunity for all community stakeholders to come together and discuss the impact of the proposed NBN rollout, and though Esperance is not scheduled to receive the NBN in the next three year rollout phase, the community thought it was important to assess its priorities.

Findings on what the NBN rollout has meant for other communities around Australia, and what strategies these communities have implemented to overcome the challenges were outlined. Workshop participants were also guided through ways to plan for the digital future and how to harness the opportunities this new technology will bring.

The workshop looked at critical issues associated with the NBN, including the barriers to success, and the impact on future service delivery for commerce and industry and essential services such as health, education and the environment.

RDA Goldfields Esperance will continue to work with the Esperance NBN Working Group, to initiate a digital economy strategy for the community.

To find out more about RDA Goldfield Esperance, visit their website.

Esperance Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Grant Shipp, Esperance Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Melisa Rowe, Explor Consulting Director David Bartlett, and RDA Goldfields and Esperance Executive Officer Carol Mann. Photo courtesy of Esperance Express.