State Infrastructure Plan

Digital
Secure, reliable and cost-effective digital
infrastructure is a fundamental enabler of social
and economic development in the digital age. It
connects communities and markets, and provides the
opportunity for people to improve their livelihoods and
lifestyles.
The emergence of the digital economy offers exciting
opportunities for all Queenslanders to benefit from
improved government services and innovation, and
productivity gains across the economy.
While telecommunication networks are regulated by
the Australian Government and delivered largely by
the private sector, the Queensland Government plays a
vital role in ensuring the state has access to world-class
digital infrastructure. This is fundamental to achieving
the government’s Advance Queensland vision to create
the knowledge-based jobs of the future and build a
strong innovation and entrepreneurial culture.
Governments at all levels are increasingly using a
‘digital first’ approach to the design and delivery of
future infrastructure and services. In a decentralised
state like Queensland, there is enormous potential
to improve service delivery by optimising the use of
existing technology. Initiatives such as the
One-Stop-Shop approach will provide Queenslanders
with simple, consistent access to a host of government
services, regardless of where they live.
The state is also leveraging the potential of digital
technology to transform operations across a broad
range of sectors. Our public safety agencies and
frontline police and emergency services personnel
are benefiting from more reliable and secure
communications through the rollout of the Government
Wireless Network in SEQ. Opportunities to provide
critical information to officers in the field are also
being explored.
In addition, the Queensland Government is working
with providers and the Australian Government
to facilitate improvements in the state’s digital
infrastructure to improve communication and
reduce blackspots.
Government Wireless Network
There are also opportunities to leverage and
optimise existing and planned investments in public
infrastructure including fibre, cellular, radio, microwave
and wireless networks to reduce government costs.
In other sectors, such as health and education, more
reliable and accessible digital infrastructure is helping
to improve outcomes and reduce costs. Students can
access more digital learning resources and greater
collaboration and communication among schools,
teachers and students can be achieved. Services such
as telehealth can be used to deliver more care and
treatment within the home, and digital health tools
can help patients better self-manage their conditions
and services.
Broadband services and innovation in digital, mobile
and cloud technologies are also changing the nature of
work. Opportunities for remote or distributed working
arrangements via telecommuting or flexible work
centres continue to grow. Investments in smart digital
technology are also enabling consumers, government
and industry to make better decisions that can reduce
energy consumption, traffic congestion and impacts on
the environment.
DIGITAL RESPONSES
The Queensland Government has developed responses to address identified challenges and guide investment across both the 1–4 year
program and future opportunities. Most projects or opportunities relate to at least one response, however some will relate to more than
one response. As the SIP matures, the relationship between responses and these programs will strengthen.
Work with providers
and the Australian
Government to
improve digital
infrastructure.
Develop
infrastructure
in regions that
promotes digital
inclusion.
Use government’s
purchasing power
to drive digital
transformations
across all asset
classes.
84 State Infrastructure Plan Part B: Program