Queensland Liberals promise 500 Wi-Fi hot spots ... if they win election

QUEENSLAND’S Liberal National Party opposition has promised to fund 500 Wi-Fi hot spots in tourist destinations ... if it wins the next election.

Wi-Fi hotpots are a hot promise from the Qld opposition.

QUEENSLAND’S Liberal National Party opposition has promised to fund 500 Wi-Fi hot spots in tourist destinations if it wins the next state election. The party has pledged $3 million over three years for the project and says it would rely on local councils to set up the networks.

LNP leader Tim Nicholls said the move would allow tourists to “brag to their mates back home” about their holiday.

Caroline Mastry and Ernesto Villalba grab a selfie on a Gold Coast holiday. Pic by Luke Marsden.

“Tourism organisations will be asked to develop a digital and social media marketing campaign to encourage tourists to use the Wi-Fi hot spots to spread the word to the world,” Mr Nicholls said on Thursday.

“We have an amazing range of natural and man-made tourism assets that are unique to Queensland and set our state apart from other destinations around Australia.” The party’s digital economy spokeswoman Tarnya Smith said digital and social media was an ideal way to promote Queensland.

However, acting tourism minister Grace Grace accused the LNP of pinching the policy from the Brisbane City Council and under funding the initiative.

“Even the terms and conditions are identical to BCC’s terms and conditions, word for word,” she said.

“Not only did he choose to announce the ill-thought-out plan at Cairns Esplanade where there is already free WiFi, he’s seriously fudged the numbers.

“Brisbane City Council’s plan committed $2 million for 20 parks at $100,000 per hotspot.

“Tim Nicholls has today committed $3 million for 500 hotspots at just $6,000 a hotspot.”

The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) said the plan would benefit local communities and businesses.

LGAQ president and Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said it also reflected the tourism industry’s increased use of mobile technology, data analytics and social media.

“The beauty about Wi-Fi technology for councils and the tourism industry is that it helps to better understand visitors, both in terms of demographics and their likes and interests,’‘ Mr Jamieson said.

The LNP’s policy document said users would be asked to agree to terms and conditions to ensure the hot spots weren’t used inappropriately. It compared the plan to a Brisbane City Council program which includes Wi-Fi access in 22 local parks.

The terms and conditions for the council Wi-Fi network tells users that information about their internet use will be collected, including personal information.

“Brisbane City Council is not responsible for the use that any third party may make of personal information obtained through your use of the hotspot,” the conditions state.

- with Steven Wardill