New online Bush e-Telegraph connects people in rural Queensland

The bush’s growing love affair with communication technology has been reflected in the launch today of an electronic Bush Telegraph by the Queensland Government.

Minister for Communities Warren Pitt used the inaugural Western Forum in Longreach to unveil the Bush e-Telegraph.

“This electronic publication is a new way for us to connect with people throughout rural Queensland,” Mr Pitt said.

“Traditionally we would have published this paper in hard copy, but because of the increasing use of the Internet in the bush, we decided it was best to put it online.

“This is very convenient for users and means that we can quickly and easily reach a far greater audience than we could in traditional newspaper format.”

The Bush e-Telegraph will be published quarterly and will be online from tomorrow at www.communities.qld.gov.au

It showcases the success stories of rural Queensland and details the progress being made in implementing the Blueprint for the Bush, which is spear-headed by the Queensland Government, AgForce Queensland and the Local Government Association of Queensland.

“I am hopeful the Bush e-Telegraph will help connect people in the city with people in the bush as well as creating a greater understanding of life in rural and outback areas,” Mr Pitt said. “It is a very lively and interesting publication and I urge everyone to log in and have a read.”

The Western Forum was held to discuss the implementation of the Blueprint for the Bush, a 10-year plan to help secure the future of rural communities.

The blueprint involves initial new investment of $153.4 million for specific initiatives, as well as bringing a more coordinated approach to already significant investment in services and infrastructure across a range of areas.

Media contact: Joe Begley 3235 4286; 0408 701 379