RDA Hume recently released the Digital Strategy for the Hume Region. Over the coming weeks we will be blogging about the five key strategy focus areas which are:
Please join the conversation via Facebook and Twitter.
In the meantime the strategy can be downloaded on our Digital Strategy page.
The goal of the Broadband Smart House project is demonstrate the use of the real-world applications of the NBN, including home automation, remote health monitoring, video-conferencing, rehabilitation, education, remote business, sensor monitoring, and environmental sustainability.(Source: RDA Northern Inland, 2013)
A smart home in Armidale, NSW has been created to conduct live workshops & demonstrations on the benefits of this new technology. The house is fitted with functioning installations where a typical family of four can try out the new technologies. At first instance the house will also be used by local TAFE and University students to trial and demonstrate various cutting-edge projects across a range of areas.
For the latest in our series of Hume region business case studies, we spoke to Kaye Bernardi - owner of the BIG4 Shepparton East Holiday Park.
Kym & Kaye Bernardi have owned and operated the BIG4 Shepparton East Holiday Park for 14 
years. They are an independent member of BIG4 Holiday Parks franchise, which has parks all around Australia. They currently have 23 self-contained cabins, 12 ensuite powered sites, powered caravan & tent sites and 12 mobile homes. The park predominantly caters for the family market. Both Kym & Kaye have made significant capital investment into technology and their park ensuring it has some of the best family friendly facilities like giant jumping pillow, solar heated pool, synthetic grass tennis court, pedal go-karts, recreation room and camp kitchens.
Dr Tim Williams of Arup, who is working with the Hume Region on the development of the Digital Economy Strategy talks about what he thinks the project means for the region.
Want to have your say? Attend one of the upcoming consultations being run by Tim and/or Kate Walters.
Monday, 7th May 2012, 10.30am to 1.30pm at the Rural City of Wangaratta, Council Chambers, Level 1, 62 Ovens St, Wangaratta
Friday, 11th May 2012, 10.30am to 1.30pm, City of Wodonga, Committee Room, 104 Hovell St, Wodonga
Tim Williams is recognised as one of the country’s leading thinkers about high speed broadband and the impact of digital media on communities, public services and business. His ground-breaking report, ‘Connecting Communities: the impact of broadband in the UK and its implications for Australia’ was launched at the Nation Press Club in Canberra in February 2011.
Kate Walters is a Senior Consultant at Arup. As an experienced team leader, Head of Policy and project manager in both the Government and private sector, Kate has worked on a range inter-related social, environmental and economic policy issues that aim to create thriving, liveable and sustainable urban areas. Kate has strong strategic understanding of economic development and placemaking and is an experienced facilitator. Tim and Kate very much appreciate your attendance at the workshops and see it as crucial to the successful delivery of the Hume Digital Economy Strategy.
On 3oth April 2012, NBN Co announced the areas in the North East Region of Victoria to receive high speed fixed wireless broadband from mid 2015.
The fixed wireless network will deliver high speed broadband to homes and businesses at wholesale speeds up to 150 times faster than dial-up and up to eight times faster than ADSL.
“For decades, rural and regional Australia has been left behind when it comes to telecommunications,” said NBN Co stakeholder relations advisor Tony Gibbs.“NBN Co’s plan to deliver high speed broadband to every Australian with one network utilising three technologies, fibre, fixed wireless and satellite aims to change that,” he said.
The communities, which cover seven local government areas, Alpine Shire Council, Indigo Shire Council, Moira Shire Council, Toowong Shire Council, Wangaratta Rural City Council and Wodonga City Council and East Gippsland Shire Council (not in the Hume Region).
“Today’s announcement is tremendous news for these communities, many of which have little or no access to high speed broadband, or those confined to a limited service, such as dial-up, mobile or satellite,” Mr Gibbs said. “The fixed wireless network will cover around 7,500 premises and will be switched on from mid 2015 onwards. Faster, more reliable internet will deliver speeds and services that city people take for granted. It will also mean telehealth consultations, video conferencing, interactive lessons and live collaboration with teachers and students here and abroad can become a reality.”
“To put 12Mbps fixed wireless speeds into perspective, people in the fixed wireless area who are currently on dial-up will receive speeds up to 150 times faster, on ABG satellite up to 12 times faster and ADSL up to eight times faster.*
The communities in the North East region of Victoria, receiving fixed wireless from mid 2015 are:
Are you living in one of these areas? How do your expect your local community will embrace high speed broadband? Leave your comments below.
Would you like to discover firsthand how the National Broadband Network and the high speed digital economy will change the way we live?
The Hume RDA are offering you the opportunity to visit the NBNco Discovery Centre and RMIT to experience the future digital economy for yourself.
Join the Hume Regional Development Australia Committee in a free day program that includes:
1. A visit to the NBN Co Discovery Centre, Docklands, including:
2. A tour of the RMIT Advanced Manufacturing Precinct
Coach travel to and from Melbourne will be provided. Coach departing Wangaratta at 9am with stops at Benalla,
Seymour and Euroa (returning approximately 7pm)
When: Friday 11th May 2012
Cost: Free (lunch not provided)
Seats are limited so book your seat today by contacting Jenny Brown. Jennifer.Brown@dpcd.vic.gov.au