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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, Second Session (52-2)
2012-11-28 Daily Xml
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ADELAIDE CITY WI-FI PROJECT

Mr PICCOLO (Light) (14:09): My question is to the Premier. Can the Premier inform the house of the new wi-fi proposal and how it will add to the city's vibrancy?

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL (Cheltenham—Premier, Minister for State Development) (14:09): I am pleased to advise the house today that the state government and the Adelaide City Council have launched a plan to make Adelaide the first capital city to offer free wi-fi outdoors for almost the entire city centre. Providing a freely available wi-fi service in public spaces to most of the CBD for residents, workers and visitors alike, will enhance and support the aims of the state government and the council to make Adelaide a vibrant, smart and connected city.

We are persuaded that modern regions compete on the attractiveness of their capital city, so this is great for the whole of South Australia—bringing people together in our CBD, connecting them up in a way which makes it a very attractive experience to visitors and to people who are using the city. The state government and the council have already co-funded a feasibility study, which was undertaken by KPMG and concluded that providing fast, reliable public wi-fi is technically feasible, practical and desirable.

We are now seeking proposals from IT businesses to develop and operate the Adelaide City wireless project. We will provide some of the initial infrastructure projects, however we also will seek commercial proposals that minimise the government's investment and provide for the continuing operation of the network on a self-sufficient basis. The aim is to roll out free wi-fi by the end of next year that includes coverage across the city in public areas such as Victoria Square, Rundle Street and the Riverbank Precinct.

It will help us continue to revitalise and activate the city laneways and other public spaces such as Parklands and squares. It will be great for events like the Clipsal 500, the Fringe, the Tour Down Under and the Christmas Pageant. People will be able to access up-to-date information much more easily.

In an increasingly connected world, free wi-fi shows that Adelaide is a modern, smart, progressive place to be. It will help attract and innovate—

Mrs Redmond interjecting:

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: I know that those opposite have no ambitions for South Australia.

Mr GARDNER: Point of order, Madam Speaker.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Well, stop her interjecting if you don't want a response.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Point of order.

Mr GARDNER: The Premier is—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

Mr GARDNER: —imputing an improper motive on members of the opposition and debating the subject as well.

The SPEAKER: Thank you. He was responding to interjections but, Premier, I refer you back to the question.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: They cannot help but talk Adelaide down. That's their—

Mr GARDNER: Point of order—

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order!

Mr GARDNER: The Premier is ignoring the ruling that you have just made.

The SPEAKER: Thank you.

Mr GARDNER: I urge you to bring him back to the question.

The SPEAKER: Thank you. I am sure the Premier will.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: I am more than happy to do that, if those opposite would stop interjecting.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Can we have some quiet, please.

Members interjecting:

The SPEAKER: Order! Members on my left, order! Members on my right will stop antagonising them.

The Hon. J.W. WEATHERILL: Of course, this will help us attract the creative and innovative industries to South Australia, which will position us as an incredibly attractive destination for international students. It essentially makes the city a campus where people can wander around and use their mobile devices in an effective way.

Government, businesses, retailers and citizens will be able to provide information about their services and, by helping workers, shoppers, students, restaurant-goers and everybody that needs the information to get readily accessed information on the go, will make people's lives easier. I urge those in the IT industry to consider making a submission through the request for proposal process, and I look forward to the proposals that will see this great project delivered to the people of South Australia.

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