East Gippsland Shire Council is inviting locals to have their say on how to ensure secure, fast and reliable internet and mobile services for everyone in the shire.  

It has released a draft report Digital Connectivity – Gaps and Priorities Report: Lived Experiences of Communities, Businesses and Agencies across East Gippsland, which probes digital connectivity and looks at the priorities of communities and sectors including emergency services, health, business and tourism. 

Council is calling on people to give feedback on the report.

Mayor Cr Mark Reeves said efficient mobile and internet services are critical to our social, economic, environmental and cultural future.  

“COVID-19 has made mobile phones, fast internet and secure Wi-Fi even more crucial to the way we work, study and access businesses and services. But the report we commissioned indicates that not all community members, institutions and businesses are equally included right now,” Cr Reeves said.   

“We want to close this digital divide to ensure that no one is left behind, so our shire can compete at the highest level in this new economic environment.”

East Gippsland Digital Connectivity – Gaps and Priorities Report will be available for four weeks to give people an opportunity to make detailed comment. 

All feedback will be considered in the implementation of the report and will inform Council’s advocacy and planning. 

To read the report and have your say, visit yoursay.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/digital-connectivity-gaps-and-priorities-report. Hard copies of the report and survey can also be obtained at your nearest Customer Service Centre.

Feedback closes on Friday 7 January 2022.

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