BROADBAND STRATEGY

117 Dr McFETRIDGE (Morphett) (31 July 2007). What are the details of the $2.6 million allocated to the department's broadband strategy?

The Hon. P.F. CONLON (Elder—Minister for Transport, Minister for Infrastructure, Minister for Energy): I provide the following information:

The South Australian Government has announced as part of the 2007-08 State budget, funding of $2.6 million for broadband networks in Berri, Murray Bridge and Port Pirie.

The allocation will also fund an upgrade to the State's central data network to join South Australia's regional centres together in a world-class network. The network will provide 'metropolitan level' connectivity and, on average, double the current bandwidth available.

The funds will allow the reach of government services to be extended and provide a more robust communications backbone in these areas.

Minister Jay Weatherill also expressed his pleasure that as Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation, the project will provide Aboriginal health clinics in seven regional centres with video conferencing and other technologies.