Bush Summit: Empowering the bush through broadband connectivity

Integral to how we navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the importance of connectivity and of reliable, high-speed internet access cannot be overstated.

From left: Sam Dimarco, NBN general manager regional and remote, at The Australian’s Bush Summit on Friday; Cathie McBean, chief strategic policy and engagement officer, Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility; and Imants Kins, co-chair Australians for Northern Development and Economic Vision. Picture: Colin Murty

Integral to how we navigate the rapidly evolving digital landscape, the importance of connectivity and of reliable, high-speed internet access cannot be overstated – particularly when it comes to regional and remote areas, which face the tyranny of distance and often, of disadvantage.

Northern Western Australia, with its vast landscapes, stands as a testament to the transformative power of connectivity.

Through strategic investments in digital infrastructure, the National Broadband Network is playing a pivotal role in fostering social and economic development in this region, ensuring communities can not only survive but thrive.

Between 2012 and 2020, the NBN contributed $5.1bn to the economy in regional WA, supporting 3800 new jobs and enabling 1900 new businesses. And by the end of next year, we’re aiming to deliver better broadband to 210,000 regional WA homes and businesses, including more than 108,000, eligible to switch from copper-based connections to NBN full fibre – all the way to front doors. A full fibre connection opens access to NBN’s highest and most reliable speeds, enabling people to do more of what they need and love to do online.

Regional West Australians are using their NBN connections more than ever before, with the average use in WA now more than 433GB every month – the equivalent of streaming HD video for 144 hours. This has grown by a remarkable 170 per cent in five years, and we don’t expect the demand to stop there, with a typical home to grow from 22 connected devices to 30 connected devices by 2030.

In fact, the top two data-hungry towns in regional WA are Port Hedland (572GB) and the Karratha (557GB).

And this demand remains true for businesses across regional WA. The digital landscape has shifted, driven by the growing trend of remote work, the rise of digital services and e-commerce, and the increasing use of data-­intensive applications such as video conferencing. Designed to support innovation, productivity and growth for Australian businesses, and those in northern WA, our regional Business Fibre Zones are providing business-grade broadband.

There are nine of these across regional WA, including one in Port Hedland.

This means companies can leverage cutting-edge technologies, improve operational efficiencies and engage with cus­tomers and partners worldwide.

And it is more than just boosting broadband for homes and businesses.

Northern WA is home to a ­diverse range of communities, including many First Nations communities that historically have faced significant barriers to digital inclusion. To help overcome the physical, social and digital isolation, we have community wi-fi services, designed to provide reliable and free internet access to areas where traditional home internet services may not be feasible.

For our First Nations communities, this access opens new avenues for preserving and sharing cultural heritage, accessing healthcare services through telehealth, and engaging in new opportunities for social connection that is so vital for community wellbeing.

While getting online is one thing, getting online safely is another. We partner with communities to deliver online safety and digital literacy sessions to ensure their journey into connectivity is as safe and enjoyable as possible.

We work in partnership to co-design the best solution for the community, by the community, which we’ve done so far in 27 communities around Australia, including Warakurna in the Gold­fields-Esperance region. Together with funding from the Australian government, we’ll be rolling this out to more locations in WA, including Loanbun, Kurangjo, Min­di Rardi, Bungtardi, Darlngunaya, Burawa and Junjuwa, and more widely across the nation.

NBN’s ongoing investment in northern WA is a powerful driver of social and economic growth. Through fibre upgrades and initiatives such as the Regional Business Fibre Zones and Community Wi-Fi for First Nations communities, NBN is helping to unlock the potential of this diverse and ­dynamic region. The benefits of these efforts are clear: stronger businesses, more resilient communities, and a more vibrant, connected and limitless northern WA for generations to come.

Sam Dimarco is NBN’s general manager, regional and remote