Fibre Transforms Outback

A $16.5 million fibre optic revolution is boosting internet speeds in two outback Queensland shire council areas. 

Minister for Local Government and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, Mark Furner today told Parliament, Barcoo and Diamantina Shire Council’s rollout of 550 kilometres of fibre optic cable was complete. 

“This is a great example of local communities thinking outside the square to put in place transformational 21^st century infrastructure for the industries of the future,” Mr Furner said. 

“For the outback communities of Stonehenge, Jundah, Windorah and Birdsville, fibre optic cable is delivering a higher-speed connection to cyberspace like never before.” 

Mr Furner said the Queensland Government had invested $6.25 million in the fibre optic rollout. 

The Federal Government also contributed funding in addition to more than $4 million from Barcoo and Diamantina Shire Councils. 

“This is a project Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has taken special interest in because we understand the potential of faster broadband connectivity to drive innovation and economic diversification in the bush,” Mr Furner said.  

“In a region growing in importance for oil and gas reserves, fibre optic cable means so much more than buffer-free Netflix. 

“The project has supported 60 jobs and brings huge potential for health, education and emergency services, local business and tourism.” 

Mr Furner said Barcoo and Diamantina Shire Councils recently won the Local Government Managers Association 2017 Excellence in Community Shaping Award. 

“Not only is this is a digital revolution, it is an excellent example of what can be achieved with the strong local leadership of Mayors, and all levels of government working together for the benefit of local communities,” he said.

The Barcoo and Diamantina Shire fibre optic cable project has been designed and built by Telstra to operate on Telstra’s network.

In addition to design and construction expertise, and ongoing maintenance, Telstra has invested approximately $5 million in the Barcoo and Diamantina fibre optic network.

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