Townsville’s Aitkenvale library has taken advantage of the digital revolution in adopting the NBN to enable residents of Townsville to experience the new high-speed internet technology.
In a further coup for the city Townsville was named one of just six recipients of a Federal Government grant to support establishment of a digital hub at the library.
The funds will be used to employ a dedicated trainer charged with offering a range of training programs to more fully equip residents with the skills needed to make the switch to superfast broadband and tap into its potential.
“This is a win for both the city and the Federal Government,” Cr Tyrell said.
“It will enable the government to better prepare residents for the speed and potential they can expect when the NBN is rolled out to their homes and it will open up possibilities for our residents as they begin to understand the potential reach of this technology and the impact it will have on the way we do business and on our daily lives.”
Lifestyle and Community Development Committee chair Cr Jenny Lane said the ‘go live’ at CityLibraries Aitkenvale would provide Townsville with a competitive advantage in the advancing digital economy that would be further boosted by news the city has also been chosen as a digital hub site.
“Today’s switch on is very good news for Townsville and will allow our residents to be ahead of the pack in terms of gaining an understanding as to the possibilities of this technology,” Cr Lane said.
The $440,000 Federal Government funding will be rolled out over two years.
- A dedicated, full-time trainer.
- The library will be equipped with video-conferencing facilities to link groups in Townsville with programs and groups elsewhere.
- One space will be set up with multi-user Skype facilities via an Internet TV. This may be particularly valuable for FIFO families and defence families.
- The public PCs will be powered by the NBN enabling residents to experience the speed and gauge the potential of the NBN.
- TechExpo Days will enable residents to touch and play with iPads, tablet computers, kindles, and other technology.
