Digital Connectivity Project

⁠⁠⁠‘The Goondiwindi region aims to be Australia’s centre of agricultural excellence, a premier visitor destination and a region celebrated for its prosperous rural lifestyle.’

One of the priority actions as part of Council’s Economic Development Strategy is to increase productivity of rural businesses through improved digital connectivity.

Goondiwindi Regional Council has received a $300,000 ‘Building our Regions’ grant from the Queensland State Government. The primary purpose of Building our Regions is to provide funding for critical infrastructure in regional areas of Queensland, while also supporting jobs, fostering economic development and improving the liveability of regional communities.

This project will deliver reliable digital connectivity and high-speed internet for rural businesses and residents in the Goondiwindi Region, by constructing and/or connecting telecommunication access sites and related infrastructure and equipment.

Tenderers are required to match the $300,000 grant and address Part 3.3 Mandatory Criteria in relation to the combined $600,000 funding.

Council does not intend to own the infrastructure required for this project. The Funding Body requires Council to enter into a formal arrangement (Appendix 4 - Deed of Covenant & Consent) with the intended owner/operator prior to the commencement of construction, to guarantee the continued operation of the infrastructure to the satisfaction of both Council and the State Government. The chosen Telco will assume responsibility for the ownership, operation and support of each individual asset/node that is developed for this project and will be responsible for all ongoing maintenance and associated costs. Council or the State will not be required to meet with any operational or ongoing costs.

It is acknowledged that the limited funding available under this agreement. Council is delivering this project as a pilot across the region, with the intention to support further digital connectivity and subsequent economic productivity into the future.