Acting Mayor Jon Raven of the City of Logan has stressed that investing in digital infrastructure and connectivity should be a key commitment for candidates in the upcoming Federal election.
While the Logan City Council had commenced a program to advocate for better mobile and internet services, they could not make improvements in isolation as telecommunications is an Australian Government responsibility.
Because digital infrastructure is important for a modern economy and for community connectivity, it was highlighted in the Council’s ‘Stand up for Logan’ program in the lead-up to the federal election on Saturday, May 21.
“In this day and age, no one should have to walk to the end of a driveway or drive up the nearest hill to get reception,” Councillor Raven said.
“Our businesses are also stepping into the global economy but can’t achieve their potential if technology lets them down.”
Cr Raven said the city’s rapidly growing population demanded the timely delivery of important projects to ensure liveability, economic growth and sustainability.
“People have been working from home more than ever. In order to thrive, businesses and the community need high-speed internet,” he said.
“Council has a business case that identifies what digital infrastructure is needed to bring us up to speed. Now we need our Federal counterparts and the telcos to deliver those solutions as our population approaches half a million people.”
Cr Raven has stated that the City of Logan needs more fibre cables in the ground and better mobile and wireless technology in order to fix current issues and improve on future opportunities, and that election candidates should be willing to stand up for Logan.
“Every vote counts. This is our moment to elect candidates who will stand up for us,” he said.
Logan small business owner Emma Cobb said her Beenleigh-based gym experiences ongoing issues with NBN connectivity, and she would welcome upgrades across the city.
“It’s inadequate and sporadic at best. If we do have weather events like storm or cloud cover, it disrupts our NBN unit,” she said.
Such disruptions affect the keyless entry, CCTV system and other aspects of her business.
“Our business is hinged on it working correctly and consistently,” Ms Cobb said.
The City of Logan Digital Infrastructure Assessment and Business Case was developed with the support of the Queensland Government.
It was also endorsed as a key priority in the City of Logan Advocacy Strategy 2021-2024.
Source: City of Logan Local and Council News