Digital Transformation in Western Australia’s Health Sector, largely focused on mobility

WA Country Health Service works to promote quality health services, with a particular focus on delivering high quality, accessible, and safe services closer to the homes of citizens. Their telehealth services are an important component of keeping country people healthy at home.

The rollout of the telehealth service across our vast state is linking increasing numbers of regionally-based patients and medical staff. This has been done via videoconferencing to specialist health professionals based in the metropolitan area or outside.

OpenGov recently spoke to Tony Manno, Director ICT, Country Health Service, Department of Health, Western Australia, about what he will be most focused on this year when it comes to ICT development. When we started our conversation, Mr. Manno expressed what his initial objectives are.

“We have problems like any other department, where we are looking for staff, funding, and more. What my team is trying to do is to make sure the ICT infrastructure throughout the whole of WA is hanging together, because the patient care is paramount to what we are all about,” exclaimed Mr. Manno.

This year, the WA Country Health Service will work on carrying out it’s ICT strategy. Mr. Manno was excited to tell us about how this strategy came to be, as its development was long overdue.

“We have settled on an ICT strategy or a delivery plan. We work very closely with the Department of Health because they supply a majority of the enterprise applications. These are the applications that do with patients, clinical applications, and other sorts of things,” Mr. Manno stated.

“We have had a number of significant capital redevelopments and we have been able to get a variety of funding through government sources. Without that, we would be reliant on the treasury funds.”

Within this ICT strategy, mobility is one of the biggest areas that Mr. Manno and his team will be focused on. As the WA Country Health Service is aiming to bring telehealth into mainstream service delivery, it will be crucial to embrace advanced ICT which will help improve communications and connectivity.

“Because we have a very transient type of staff, mobility is very high on our list,” said Mr. Manno, “We must make sure we have the right technology, whether it be infrastructure or applications. Then, the doctors can integrate into our hospitals and exchange information.”

Since established in 2011, the WA Country Health Service telehealth service has:

Conducted more than 40,000 ‘virtual’ clinical consults across WA (includes emergency consults and outpatient consults)
Hosted over 65,000 ‘virtual’ meetings totalling around 46,000 hours in the 2014/2015 financial year
Installed a statewide fleet of more than 720 videoconferencing machines and 478 virtual meeting rooms, and
Installed Emergency Telehealth Service equipment in 63 regional sites.

Mr. Manno commented on the how the accessibility of this telehealth service is attending to citizens around the clock.

“We have an emergency telehealth service, 24 hours a day, where you can ring us up at any hour of the day.” Mr. Manno shared with us.

Mr. Manno believes that Data Analytics will bring further productivity to the healthcare sector beyond mobility. He shared his interest in exploring options in data analytics solutions as it would lead to an era of precision medicine.

“Data Analytics is very important, too. We just began our business intelligence group and getting the right people together. Then we can work to get all of that patient information to make help us make better informed decisions,” said Mr. Manno.

As for IoT gadgets and devices, Mr. Manno emphasised that his department will not try to experiment with anything that would not add quality to healthcare service, yet concentrate on those devices which would help improve hospital operations and patient care.

“We are looking at tracking devices to monitor patient activity. This is the predominant gadget that we are looking at,” Mr. Manno told us, “We do have a biomedical engineering section which is looking at heart monitoring and clinical gadgets which we can get involved with.”

WA Country Health Service is on the right path towards transforming patient care and expanding healthcare outside the confines of hospitals. As they increase their mobility efforts, they will continue to provide around-the-clock services to those citizens in need of telehealth care.

Image from Army Health– CC BY 2.0

Swinburne University: Innovative Research to Market

Breakthrough Victoria has unveiled investment partnerships totalling AU$ 87 million with five universities, geared toward facilitating the transition of transformative research from the laboratory to the marketplace. Swinburne University of Technology is set to co-invest AU$ 9 million, a sum reciprocated by Breakthrough Victoria, aimed at fostering the creation of novel ventures that will accelerate the commercialisation of research endeavours. This investment bolsters Swinburne University of Technology’s capacity to propel innovation and instils confidence among its researchers that their pioneering ideas can be translated into tangible realities.

Under these partnerships, each entity will funnel investments into startup companies originating from research initiatives, with pre-seed and seed funding capacities of up to AU$ 1 million per venture.

The official announcement was made by the Minister of Industry and Innovation during the inauguration of the Global Entrepreneurship Conference in Melbourne, a gathering that drew more than 4,000 investors and entrepreneurs from across the globe.

These alliances are being established as part of the ambitious AU$100 million Breakthrough Victoria – University Innovation Platform which was designed to elevate the level of commercialisation of pivotal research, characterised by its real-world applicability and benefits from Victorian universities.

The capital injections into startups during this critical nascent stage will serve as pivotal financial support, facilitating the development of product concepts, prototypes, and trials that are essential for research with strong commercial viability. Moreover, researchers and academics will receive dedicated support to enhance their ability to identify and effectively translate innovative ideas into commercially viable opportunities, thereby augmenting their entrepreneurial capabilities. The specifics of these partnership agreements have been tailored in collaboration with each respective university, thereby addressing the unique needs and the specific stage of their research commercialisation journey.

The co-investment partnership is expected to fuel innovation across a spectrum of industries, with a particular focus on aerospace, healthcare, sustainability, and manufacturing. These sectors, all intricately linked with technology, stand to benefit significantly from the injection of capital into startups that are on the cusp of technological breakthroughs. Such investments will not only drive product development but also foster technological advancement and drive economic growth.

One of the key benefits of this collaboration is the ability to transform research concepts into tangible products and services. Often, groundbreaking research remains confined to the academic realm due to a lack of resources for development and commercialisation.

However, with this co-investment initiative, researchers will have access to the funding necessary to bring their ideas to life. This is particularly relevant in the tech sector, where rapid innovation is critical, and timely investment can be the difference between an idea’s success and its stagnation.

Furthermore, this initiative acknowledges the pivotal role that universities play in fostering innovation. Universities are often hubs of research and development, where cutting-edge ideas are born. However, bridging the gap between academic research and commercial viability can be challenging.

With the partnership between Swinburne University of Technology and Breakthrough Victoria, there is a concerted effort to facilitate this transition. This not only benefits the university but also the broader tech ecosystem by ensuring that innovative ideas reach the market.

Moreover, the support provided to researchers and academics to enhance their entrepreneurial capabilities is a crucial aspect of this initiative. In the tech sector, it’s not just about having a great idea; it’s also about understanding how to bring that idea to market successfully.

This includes aspects like intellectual property management, market research, and business development strategies. The co-designed partnership agreements consider the specific needs and stage of research commercialisation, ensuring that the support provided is tailored to maximise the chances of success, especially in tech-related ventures.

The new Centre for Paramedicine, housed within the dedicated capability hub at Victoria University in Sunshine, is a testament to the commitment of the government to provide top-notch training for paramedics, OpenGov Asia earlier reported.

The Minister for Ambulance Services inaugurated the pioneering capability hub, a first of its kind in Australia. During the event, she met a group of 54 recently graduated paramedics who will receive training at the hub before embarking on their missions to provide essential care to the people of Victoria.

CSIRO Fostering Indigenous Talent at UoW

The University of Wollongong (UoW) has received a financial boost from Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, to further support Indigenous students pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. This significant contribution underscores a commitment to fostering Indigenous talent in the technology sector and ensuring a brighter future for these students.

The CSIRO Indigenous STEM Scholarship was initially established in 2019 with an initial gift of AU$ 30,000 from CSIRO. This initial funding aimed to support two Indigenous STEM students throughout their academic journeys. However, this commitment has now been elevated to an even more profound level. CSIRO has pledged an additional AU$ 500,000, ensuring that the scholarship will be awarded in perpetuity. This signifies a long-term partnership between CSIRO and UOW in nurturing and empowering Indigenous students in their pursuit of STEM education.

The primary objective of this partnership is to empower Indigenous students who are undertaking full-time degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics by providing financial support. Each year, one deserving student will be awarded AU$ 5,000 throughout the duration of their degree. This financial assistance not only eases the financial burden on the students but also allows them to fully concentrate on their academic and career goals within the tech and science sectors.

The 2021 recipient of the CSIRO Indigenous STEM Scholarship serves as an example of the positive impact of this initiative. The recipient noted that the financial assistance provided by the CSIRO scholarship allowed her to reduce her work commitments and allocate more time to engage in meaningful activities that can positively impact her career and well-being.

The Director of Indigenous Science and Engagement at CSIRO who is also a Gamillaroi man emphasised the importance of growing an Indigenous STEM pipeline, which not only benefits the science and technology sector but also the broader community. He noted that the development of an Indigenous STEM pipeline holds the potential to facilitate the engagement of the science and technology sector, with a particular focus on CSIRO, in integrating Indigenous talent, incorporating Indigenous knowledge and expertise, and nurturing successful careers in science and research for individuals of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent.

UOW’s Vice-Chancellor and President highlighted the critical role that STEM fields play in shaping the future of communities, economies, and nations and praised the power of philanthropy in enriching the lives of Indigenous students.

CSIRO scholarships will provide students with the opportunity to delve deeper into their STEM interests, which are crucial for the future of communities, the economy, and the nation, all while alleviating the burden of financial stress. She underscored the profound and positive influence of this substantial investment, paving the way for Indigenous students towards a promising and prosperous future in technology and science-related domains.

The Vice-President for Indigenous Strategy and Engagement and Director of Woolyungah Indigenous Centre at UOW celebrated the increased financial support from CSIRO, recognising the importance of nurturing Indigenous students’ interest in thriving STEM industries.

CSIRO’s collaboration with UOW will authentically empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to reach their full potential, address the significant challenges of the future, and emerge as leaders in STEM disciplines. Sustained partnerships and scholarship commitments will open tangible avenues for Indigenous students to engage with ongoing projects and research, ultimately influencing their communities and shaping the nation’s future.

This partnership between CSIRO and the University of Wollongong signifies a remarkable commitment to fostering Indigenous talent in STEM fields. The significant financial support provided by CSIRO not only eases the financial burden on Indigenous students but also empowers them to pursue their passions and become leaders in technology and science-related fields. This collaboration highlights the tech sector’s dedication to creating opportunities for Indigenous students and recognising the essential role of Indigenous knowledge in advancing STEM disciplines.

OpenGov Asia reported that New South Wales (NSW) is partnering with key stakeholders, including universities and businesses, to develop an Innovation Blueprint aimed at revitalising the state’s innovation sector. The backdrop for this initiative is the stagnation in university-industry collaboration and the lack of progress in commercialising research outcomes, as highlighted by the NSW Innovation and Productivity Council. Simultaneously, R&D intensity in the region has been declining, emphasising the need for strategic interventions.

Australia’s Cutting-Edge Nuclear Medicine Facility

ANSTO has received a substantial allocation of Federal Government funding, marking a significant development in the effort to ensure the continued production of crucial nuclear medicines in Australia. At the Lucas Heights campus of ANSTO, the plans for a state-of-the-art Nuclear Medicine Facility were unveiled by the Minister for Industry and Science. This new facility will replace the ageing Nuclear Medicine Processing and Distribution Facility, which was initially established in 1959 for research purposes.

On a weekly basis, ANSTO plays a pivotal role in producing nuclear medicines that facilitate between 10,000 and 12,000 medical procedures across Australian hospitals and clinics. Over the years, ANSTO has expanded its production capabilities to encompass various nuclear medicines, making it the primary supplier of approximately 75%-80% of nuclear medicines used in Australia. Among the critical substances they produce is molybdenum-99 (Mo-99), dispatched into ANSTO’s Gentech® Generators. Mo-99 naturally decays into technetium-99 (Tc-99m), the most widely used radioisotope in nuclear medicine worldwide.

The Lucas Heights campus of ANSTO houses a nuclear medicine precinct comprising three key facilities: the OPAL multipurpose research reactor, the Molybdenum-99 Manufacturing Facility, and the ageing Nuclear Medicine Processing and Distribution Facility.

Alongside the Minister, the Acting CEO for ANSTO expressed his appreciation for the enhanced funding aimed at securing Australia’s sovereign capabilities in domestic nuclear medicine manufacturing. He emphasised that the new Nuclear Medicine Facility represents a critical advancement in the technological aspect of nuclear medicine production.

This purpose-built facility will establish a more sophisticated nuclear medicine precinct that streamlines the manufacturing and distribution chain. It is designed to provide ANSTO with the flexibility required to adapt to evolving manufacturing technologies and cater to the changing demands of the radiopharmaceutical market. This flexibility is especially crucial as the rates of diagnosis for illnesses such as cancer continue to rise. Moreover, the facility will empower ANSTO to meet the surging demand for nuclear medicines from hospitals and medical clinics while also capitalizing on ANSTO’s radiopharmaceutical research and development and collaborations within the medical industry.

The current facility, where the final production stage of most of ANSTO’s nuclear medicines occurs before dispatch, is an ageing structure originally constructed as a research laboratory in the late 1950s. Despite extensive renovations and modifications to transform it into a nuclear medicine manufacturing facility, it is nearing the end of its operational lifespan. The funding received will not only support the construction of the new Nuclear Medicine Facility but also facilitate the ongoing maintenance of the existing facility until the new one becomes operational, which is expected in the mid-2030s.

The Federal Government’s allocation of funds to ANSTO represents a significant technological leap forward in ensuring the continued production of life-saving nuclear medicines in Australia. The establishment of the new Nuclear Medicine Facility at the Lucas Heights campus is a critical step toward modernizing the production process, enhancing flexibility, and meeting the growing demand for nuclear medicines while bolstering research and development efforts in the field of radiopharmaceuticals. This investment not only secures Australia’s sovereign capabilities but also reinforces its position in the global nuclear medicine industry.

The Federal Government’s funding allocation for ANSTO’s new Nuclear Medicine Facility at Lucas Heights aligns with Australia’s tech goals by promoting innovation in healthcare technology, fostering collaboration within the medical industry, enhancing sovereign capabilities, and supporting research and development in radiopharmaceuticals.

It also ensures technological resilience, strengthens global competitiveness, and underscores the importance of long-term planning for critical technology infrastructure. This investment signifies the government’s commitment to leveraging technology to advance healthcare and bolster Australia’s position in the global technology landscape while addressing national security concerns related to nuclear medicine production.

OpenGov Asia reported that the Government of Western Australia is taking steps to promote the growth of small to medium-sized local businesses by offering grants totalling over AU$3 million. These grants are intended to enhance their capabilities and competitiveness, enabling them to pursue contracts from both the government and private sector.

Known as the Local Capability Fund (LCF), this initiative serves as a crucial resource for recipients looking to expand their capacity and improve their competitiveness in supplying goods, services, and works to the government, major projects, and other significant markets.

Cutting-Edge Robotics Facility in NSW

An innovator in artificial intelligence (AI) for robotic and navigation technologies has unveiled a cutting-edge AI robotics facility for autonomous systems situated at UTS Tech Lab. Located in Botany, New South Wales (NSW), this facility is designed to expand the production of the company’s groundbreaking navigation systems for GPS-denied environments, including its digital fibre-optic gyroscope (DFOG) technology.

The company holds a unique position globally, being one of only four companies capable of manufacturing strategic-grade fibre-optic gyroscopes. This technology plays a pivotal role in enabling dependable navigation for a wide range of applications, spanning marine vessels, space missions, aerospace, defence, autonomous vehicles, and flying taxis. The company leverages its distinctive AI-based physics algorithms to address intricate challenges both on Earth and in space.

This state-of-the-art robotics facility for autonomous systems signifies a significant transformation in sovereign manufacturing, driven by advanced technologies such as AI, automation, and precision engineering. In the realm of autonomous systems, precision and reliability are paramount, and the facility, following a vertical integration model, is equipped with machinery and processes for automated manufacturing supported by machine learning. This guarantees the consistent production of reliable, resilient, and high-quality navigation systems.

Moreover, the company’s initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to cultivating a diverse STEM workforce, as it is poised to stimulate job growth in areas such as robotics, manufacturing, photonics, mechatronics, mechanical engineering, and related fields.

Additionally, the facility will serve as a hub for extensive research collaborations between the company and UTS Tech Lab. This collaboration is set to expedite the commercialisation of various socially impactful technologies, including:

The LiDAV system, which offers precise three-dimensional velocity and altitude information for lunar exploration, enhancing autonomous landing procedures and exploration on the moon.
Cloud Ground Control, a groundbreaking cloud-based solution enabling remote command and control of uncrewed vehicles across air, land, and sea, facilitating real-time monitoring and data management for applications in search and rescue, emergency response, and disaster relief.
An indoor positioning technology developed by the company to assist visually impaired individuals in navigating safely within underground train stations, as part of the NSW Small Business Innovation and Research (SBIR) program.

According to Xavier Orr, Co-founder and CEO of Advanced Navigation, there exists a pressing necessity to enhance Australia’s economic complexity and sovereign capabilities. He emphasises the importance of bolstering industrial capacity in high-tech sectors, promoting knowledge exchange, and fostering collaborative efforts among government agencies, academic institutions, and industry leaders.

The Co-founder and CEO of the company underscored the innovator’s mission to commercialise technologies that can tackle significant global challenges.

The Vice-Chancellor and President of UTS conveyed UTS’s enthusiasm for collaborating with the company to explore crucial growth areas such as AI, robotics, and space technologies. He emphasised the collaborative effort between UTS’s esteemed global research leaders in autonomous systems technology and Advanced Navigation’s proficient team of scientists and engineers.

The use of UTS Tech Lab’s advanced facilities and their joint commitment to enhancing sovereign capabilities for defence and space were also highlighted. He looks forward to expanding collective capabilities with the company to accelerate the development of impactful innovations.

The collaboration aligns closely with the goals of the Australian government to enhance the nation’s economic resilience and sovereign capabilities. By focusing on high-tech industrial capacity, knowledge exchange, and collaborative initiatives, the partnership contributes to building a robust foundation for innovation and self-reliance. It strengthens Australia’s position in critical sectors like AI, robotics, and space technologies, which are pivotal for national security and economic growth. This aligns with the government’s strategy to invest in advanced technology sectors and cultivate a skilled workforce, ultimately fostering economic complexity and ensuring Australia’s competitiveness on the global stage.

OpenGov Asia reported that Western Sydney University entered into a collaborative partnership with an automation company and an Australian non-profit organisation dedicated to robotics. This agreement aims to foster innovation, facilitate joint research endeavours, and promote collaboration in line with their shared regional vision for western Sydney.

University of Sydney Revolutionising Aerospace Education

The University of Sydney has acquired an advanced 360-degree rotating cockpit simulator, enabling students and researchers to replicate the experience of piloting various aircraft, including A380s and spacecraft. Located within the School of Aerospace, Mechanical, and Mechatronic Engineering, this New Zealand-manufactured simulator, called the Eight360 NOVA Simulator, is the sole one of its kind in Australian universities.

This cutting-edge simulator uses virtual reality technology, providing students and researchers with a comprehensive understanding of how theoretical concepts and design choices impact aircraft behaviour. It enhances the learning and research process by providing a hands-on experience and immersing students in flight operations environments.

What sets this simulator apart from traditional flight simulators is its unlimited rotational axes, allowing for complex manoeuvres like spins and inverted flight. This capability empowers researchers to gain insights into how both aircraft and humans perform in challenging conditions, as well as to test and pilot vehicles they’ve designed.

The simulator operates “untethered” thanks to a freely movable ball resting on rollers that are powered by electric motors, enabling precise control over the ball’s positioning at varying speeds. As pilots manipulate the controls, the ball adjusts its position to mimic the orientation and acceleration of a real-flight vehicle.

Associate Professor Nicholas Lawson, who heads the Aircraft Performance and Operations department and joined the university in 2021, emphasized the importance of the simulator in bridging the gap between theoretical study and practical experience in aerospace and aeronautics.

One of the benefits highlighted by a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering student is the simulator’s immersive experience, significantly enhancing her understanding of aerospace and space engineering. The student, who is also representing the university at an international space conference, praised the simulator as an excellent hands-on complement to theoretical learning.

Furthermore, the simulator holds potential for simulating space environments, including the control of crewed vehicles on planetary surfaces, a development area led by Visiting Professor Gregory Chamitoff, a former NASA Astronaut.

The acquisition of the advanced 360-degree rotating cockpit simulator by the University of Sydney reflects the Australian government’s interests in promoting STEM education, fostering innovation, and developing the aerospace industry. This cutting-edge technology not only attracts students to STEM disciplines but also contributes to the growth of the country’s aerospace sector.

Additionally, the simulator’s potential for international collaboration in space-related research and its capacity to develop a highly skilled workforce aligns with the government’s goals for innovation, technology transfer, and workforce development. While primarily an academic asset, this initiative indirectly supports broader national objectives in education, industry, and international engagement.

OpenGov Asia reported earlier that the Aerostructures Innovation Research (AIR) Hub’s AIR Pass initiative is playing a crucial role in fostering innovation and growth within the aerospace and aviation sectors. This programme is tailored to assist startup companies as well as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in advancing their aerospace and aviation projects. The AIR Pass programme offers a comprehensive package that includes expert technical guidance, prototyping resources, and financial support for a span of up to six months for successful applicants.

Through close collaboration, the AIR Hub’s experts have played a pivotal role in the rapid design, production, and delivery of the EPS test rig. This intensive development phase, spanning just four months, culminated in the lead-up to the Avalon Airshow. The successful delivery of the EPS and accompanying test infrastructure for commercial demonstration marked a significant achievement.

P2.59: Australia’s Robotic Satellite Project

SmartSat has approved Project P2.59 led by the University of Sydney’s AMME School, aiming to develop an advanced robotic satellite system with AI, sensing, and control capabilities. Collaborating with Sydney-based robotics startups, this project addresses challenges in close proximity satellite operations, driven by the harsh space environment and increased space debris.

The focus of Project P2.59 is on enhancing onboard autonomy, sensing, perception, and control systems. It will culminate in a ground-based ISAM mission demonstration showcasing satellite proximity operations, docking, and maintenance tasks. This project aligns with the growing ISAM industry, attracting government and private sector investments, and aims to establish Australia’s capabilities and unique advantages in this space.

Advanced Robotics and AI

The project aims to create autonomous robotic satellites empowered by cutting-edge robotics and AI. These satellites can make real-time decisions, adapt to dynamic conditions, and operate without constant human intervention, improving efficiency, especially in close-proximity scenarios.

Sensing and Perception

Project P2.59 emphasises advanced sensing and perception. It deploys state-of-the-art sensors to capture real-time data, enabling informed decisions based on the satellite’s surroundings. This capability is crucial for safety and mission success.

Robust Control

Robust control mechanisms are essential for reliability and safety in satellite operations, navigating challenges in the space environment. These mechanisms provide precision and agility for close proximity, docking, and maintenance tasks.

Demonstration of Capabilities:

A key milestone is the ground-based ISAM mission demonstration, showcasing various operations, including proximity manoeuvres, docking, and simulated maintenance tasks. It highlights the project’s expertise and commitment to advancing Australia’s ISAM capabilities.

Significance of ISAM:

ISAM is a burgeoning sector globally, attracting substantial investments. It extends satellite lifespan and opens new mission possibilities. Australia’s strategic position in this field is reinforced by Project P2.59.

Australia’s Strategic Position

The project positions Australia as a key player in the evolving space industry. It seeks to meet sovereign space needs and provide unique technological advantages as space technologies evolve.

Project P2.59, led by the University of Sydney’s AMME School, in collaboration with Sydney-based robotics startups, focuses on developing advanced robotic satellite capabilities through AI, sensing, and control technologies. It addresses challenges in close-proximity satellite operations and aligns with the growing ISAM industry, enhancing Australia’s position in the global space sector.

OpenGov Asia reported earlier that the Queensland Earth Observation Hub (QLD EO Hub) convened a workshop in Brisbane that served as a significant step in harnessing the potential of Earth Observation (EO) technologies, data, and workflows for the benefit of Australia.

The initial findings from a comprehensive market engagement study were presented. This study spanned a diverse range of EO and industry sectors and aimed to illuminate both the challenges and opportunities that Queensland, and by extension, the broader Australian landscape, faces in embracing EO technologies not only in the present but also in the foreseeable future.

This market study embarked on an extensive consultation process, engaging with stakeholders across urban and rural Queensland. It encompassed the entire spectrum of the EO ecosystem, from data and service providers to end-users, as well as those contemplating the utilisation of EO in the years ahead.

The core objective was to gain profound insights into the current capabilities, hurdles, and potential avenues for growth within Queensland’s EO community. Additionally, it sought to cultivate a vision of what the future could hold in terms of EO technology deployment.

Boosting Connectivity in Western Australia’s Carnarvon

Under the Government of Western Australia, the Carnarvon community, including growers, businesses, and residents, has experienced a transformative connection through the successful implementation of the Digital Farm Grants program.

A 63-metre tower was constructed and equipped with the necessary supporting infrastructure. This initiative has ushered in high-speed, enterprise-grade broadband internet access for agribusinesses and local communities within the Carnarvon Horticulture District and its adjacent areas.

The state government has awarded an AU$600,000 grant to a network company based in Bunbury. This grant was allocated as part of the second round of the Digital Farm Grants program, which has proven instrumental in bridging the digital divide in regional Western Australia.

In addition, the Shire of Carnarvon, local growers, and businesses have extended their support through both additional funding and in-kind contributions, underlining the collaborative spirit that has propelled this project to success.

This initiative will cover approximately 800 square kilometres, encompassing the entirety of the Shire of Carnarvon. Within this expansive coverage, over 180 agribusinesses and more than 2,900 private dwellings now have access to the newfound digital connectivity.

The Carnarvon Horticulture District is known for its diverse production of fruit and vegetable crops. Tomatoes, capsicum, table grapes, bananas, melons, eggplants, and mangoes are among the prominent crops cultivated in this district, contributing to an annual production value that exceeds AU$110 million.

The Regional Development Minister emphasised the pivotal role played by the Digital Farm Grants program in uniting businesses and communities in regional Western Australia. The program’s core objective of delivering fast, reliable, affordable, and scalable broadband services is particularly relevant in areas where conventional fixed-line and fixed wireless NBN services remain inaccessible.

The Carnarvon Horticulture District, a hub of irrigated agriculture, plays a vital role in supplying fresh produce to consumers in Perth and neighbouring regions. With the implementation of this significant infrastructure project, both local businesses and residents within the district and its surroundings stand to reap the benefits of a more dependable internet broadband service.

The Member for Mining and Pastoral stated that the construction of the new telecommunications infrastructure is set to usher in high-speed, enterprise-grade broadband internet access to approximately 180 agribusinesses and over 2,900 private dwellings in the region. This advancement represents a significant leap forward, enabling growers to harness the cutting-edge technology required to remain competitive and bolster profitability in today’s dynamic agricultural landscape.

The Government’s Digital Farm Grants program has ushered in a new era of connectivity and opportunity for the Carnarvon community.

OpenGov Asia reported earlier that the Government of Western Australia is taking steps to promote the growth of small to medium-sized local businesses by offering grants totalling over AU$3 million. These grants are intended to enhance their capabilities and competitiveness, enabling them to pursue contracts from both the government and private sector.

Known as the Local Capability Fund (LCF), this initiative serves as a crucial resource for recipients looking to expand their capacity and improve their competitiveness in supplying goods, services, and works to the government, major projects, and other significant markets.

For the upcoming fiscal year of 2023-2024, the government has announced four new LCF rounds, collectively amounting to AU$2.2 million in funding, with individual grants of up to AU$50,000. These four rounds are designed to cater to specific needs and priorities:

Supplying Key Projects Round: This round aims to support businesses across the state in supplying essential goods and services to key government and private sector projects within priority sector markets.
Aboriginal Business Round: This round is dedicated to businesses with a majority of Aboriginal ownership. It seeks to assist these enterprises in supplying goods, services and works to both the government and the private sector.
National and International Standards Compliance Round: To ensure businesses adhere to the highest industry standards, this round provides financial assistance for engaging external experts to implement and obtain third-party certification for seven specific national and international standards.
Digital Transformation Round (Upcoming): Soon, the LCF will introduce a Digital Transformation Round to provide initial support to eligible businesses in adopting and leveraging digital technologies and data. This round aims to advance the government’s understanding of digital needs in the business landscape.

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Digital Transformation in Western Australia’s Health Sector, largely focused on mobility

Swinburne University: Innovative Research to Market

CSIRO Fostering Indigenous Talent at UoW

Australia’s Cutting-Edge Nuclear Medicine Facility

Cutting-Edge Robotics Facility in NSW

University of Sydney Revolutionising Aerospace Education

P2.59: Australia’s Robotic Satellite Project

Boosting Connectivity in Western Australia’s Carnarvon

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