Council is advocating for a clear plan, timeline and funding commitment to achieving digital equality, ensuring that the people of the Western Downs, and all rural and regional Australians, have the connectivity to support their lives, livelihoods and communities.
We know that reliable mobile and internet connectivity is essential - not just for convenience, but for safety, economic growth, and everyday life.
That’s why Council is calling on the Federal Government to deliver a clear, funded plan to close the digital divide between the city and the bush and ensure our communities are not left behind.
Why Connectivity Matters
Despite being a powerhouse of agriculture and manufacturing and The Energy Capital of Queensland, the Western Downs still faces serious gaps in mobile and internet coverage. These gaps are more than just inconvenient - they’re holding back local businesses, putting lives at risk during emergencies, and limiting access to essential services like telehealth, education, and government support.
In 2023, our region experienced two catastrophic bushfires, one of which was the largest in Queensland’s history. In times like these, reliable mobile and internet coverage can mean the difference between safety and danger. Yet, Council's 2024 Regional Connectivity Survey revealed that:
- 76% of respondents experience moderate to severe mobile coverage issues
- 8% have no mobile coverage at all
- 93% said improved connectivity is vital for daily life and business
- 40% rated their internet connection as poor or non-existent
- 42% are concerned about the cost of internet plans
- 34% rated their plans as expensive, and 8% as very expensive
What This Means for Our Region
Emergency Response: Without mobile and internet coverage, people can’t call for help, receive alerts, or stay informed during disasters.
Business Operations: Many local businesses struggle with basic tasks like EFTPOS payments or contacting customers. Additionally, many industries rely on digital tools to operate effectively, and these tools need strong internet access.
Everyday Life: From online learning to accessing government services, digital connectivity is now a basic need.
Council's Advocacy
"Adequate and accessible telecommunications services are now viewed as an essential service for everyday life, an enabler of human rights as well as a human right by people living in regional, rural and remote Australia as part of a broad social contract with the Australian Government."
- 2024 Regional Telecommunications Review Report
Digital connectivity is no longer a luxury - it’s a necessity. Where you live shouldn’t determine whether you can run a business, access services, or stay safe in an emergency. That's why Council is directly engaging with Government and industry to treat digital connectivity for rural and regional Australia as critical infrastructure, not an afterthought.