Good digital connectivity is fundamental to attracting investment and tourism to the region and improving liveability for those that reside in Bass Coast. Reliable connectivity is also critical in an emergency.

Inadequate fixed line broadband and mobile coverage as a key issue, as well as the provision of adequate business-grade NBN services in our townships. With the Bass Coast population expected to grow from an estimated 36,083 in 2021 to 46,429 by 2036 this will put increased strain on our networks.

The benifits to commmunity are:

• Bridge the digital divide.
• Provide affordable access.
• Areas such as food and fibre, education, e-health and professional services like engineering can all benefit from better services.
• Invest in enhancing digital connectivity across key tourist and event locations identified in the Digital Plan will enable mobile roaming for international visitors to improve connectedness in rural and regional Victoria.
• Support event organisers to prepare with appropriate technology to meet demand of population spikes associated with community events.
• Greater options to work from home.

In 2019, a Gippsland Digital Plan was developed to articulate the region’s current gaps in digital infrastructure and where future demands may lie. The development of the plan was a collaborative process that sought the views of the regional leaders, the business sector, community groups and local government, including Bass Coast Shire Council. Market experts were also engaged and existing strategies and technical papers were reviewed to formulate the plan

Council continues to hold meetings with Federal and State Ministers, Shadow Ministers, candidates, and Advisors to promote the need for increased investment into digital connectivity and telecommunications in Bass Coast.

Further, our advocacy efforts strengthened through our membership of OneGippsland and Peri Urban Group of Rural Councils (Victoria).