Qld govt releases NBN discussion paper
The Queensland Government has called for comment on a discussion paper looking at how the state can best take advantage of the National Broadband Network roll-out.
(Screenshot by Josh Taylor/ZDNet Australia)
The government has launched the consultation process via its website, releasing a discussion paper and an online survey.
The paper outlines a "four-year roadmap" proposal on how Queensland can stand to gain the most from the Federal Government's $37.5 billion project. In addition to questions on how to improve digital literacy, what applications the NBN could use and how the NBN will create jobs for the state, the 10-page document also asks for responses on how the government can make sure that as many Queensland residences as possible are connected to the NBN via fibre, as opposed to wireless or satellite.
The government also flagged that it would examine how the NBN could be used to prevent future disasters.
"As we rebuild in the wake of natural disasters across Queensland and other parts of Australia in early 2011, it is also timely to consider how the National Broadband Network could play a role in future disaster preparedness and response."
Having enough skilled workers in Queensland was going to be an issue, according to the government. Telstra and Optus have been blamed by the unions for creating a skills shortage in the telecommunications industry. This shortage has been exacerbated due to the Queensland rebuild after the floods and Tropical Cyclone Yasi.
"Queensland needs to be ready with skilled workers. Maintaining a ready supply of skilled labour will also improve Queensland industry's chances of securing supply contracts as part of the NBN build," the government said.
Queensland's Opposition leader-in-waiting and Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman told the Australian Financial Review last week that he would re-examine his stance on the NBN project, and said the network should be rolling out faster to the state.
The paper is open for comments until 21 April 2011.