Twenty new government services have been launched in Tasmania for the National Broadband Network (NBN).
Eight new Tasmanian NBN Digital Hubs, seven Digital Enterprises and five Digital Local Government Programs have been launched, with services including high-definition video conferencing which will link six locations across Tasmania.
Council areas to switch on new NBN government services include:
• Kingston Beach
• George Town
• Smithton
• St Helens
• Triabunna
• Launceston
• Deloraine
• Hobart
• Sorell
• Dorset
The Digital Hubs, Enterprises and Local Government programs will provide training programs for not-for-profit organisations and help councils use the NBN.
For example, Sorell Council will be using the NBN for its online emergency management service for video conferencing and advanced mapping capabilities, which were used during the bushfires in Tasmania recently.
The $13.6 million Digital Hubs program is being established in 40 communities around Australia, with Tamworth Regional Council recently granted $420,359 for an NBN training hub that will provide free advice on the benefits of the NBN.
The federal government is also granting $10 million in funding to establish and support the Digital Enterprise program in 44 communities.
Lockyer Valley Regional Council was also announced to receive $400,102 and HB Recruitment and Training to receive $265,000 to provide free advice and training to the Lockyer Valley community about the NBN under the Digital Hub and Enterprise program.
Around 14,500 premises can connect to the NBN in Tasmania, with construction underway for around 70,000 premises.
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