22 Oct 2015
Telecommunication infrastructure is keeping regional Queensland in the dark ages, costing farmers millions of dollars in lost productivity, according to a survey of farmers.
Queensland farming groups today called on Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to finish what he started as Communications Minister by implementing the recommendations of the 2015 Regional Telecommunications Review.
“This review needs to be seen as a pathway forward for telecommunications in regional Queensland,” said AgForce CEO Charles Burke.
“We’ll be ensuring the Federal Government uses these recommendations to deliver the sort of services that will allow those living in regional Queensland to boost their business.”
A recent AgForce survey of 216 grain farmers and cattle and sheep producers highlighted poor mobile reception, intermittent or nil internet coverage and high costs.
Queensland Farmers’ Federation CEO Ruth Wade said the rural Queenslanders running small businesses just a few kilometres from regional towns and cities were being held back because of poor telecommunication infrastructure.
“Smartphones and tablets are revolutionising farming with easy access to banking, weather, education, record keeping software, calculators and converters and even social media for news and information,” Ms Wade said.
“However limited coverage is hurting business and the cost of internet packages often exceeding $400 a month – three times the rate being paid in a regional town sometimes less than 15 minutes away.”
Several farming groups provided submissions to the Federal Government’s Regional Telecommunications Review calling for better coordination of infrastructure rollout, affordable options for remote communities and certainty for the NBN rollout.
“The Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was responsible for the review as the Communications Minister, and given his recent elevation, we want to see momentum for change continue and we will work with Minister Mitch Fifield on how this can be implemented,” Mr Burke said.
The survey of telecommunication conducted by AgForce Queensland showed:
- 39 per cent have reliable mobile phone connection while 19.2 per cent have no mobile connection at all;
- 27 per cent of farmers surveyed rely on satellite connection, while 37 per cent had 3G coverage;
- 60 per cent of farmers spend more than $300 a month on bundled internet and phone services, while 36 per cent spend more than $400.
- Only 21 per cent of farmers were happy or very happy with their service, while 50 per cent were unhappy or very unhappy;
- 11.2 per cent of farmers have benefited from the NBN roll out;
- The most common use for smart devices was banking (90 per cent), weather information (85 per cent) and social media (63 per cent). Education, record keeping software, calculators and converters were other common uses.
Further information is available on the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee website at www.rtirc.gov.au.
Note to media: Many farmers will not be able to provide comment on this report due to poor mobile and internet coverage in many parts of regional Queensland.
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