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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fourth Parliament, First Session (54-1)
2018-11-14 Daily Xml
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Wi-Fi Hotspots

The Hon. J.S. LEE (14:40): My question is directed to the Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment on an important project supporting the tourism industry in South Australia. Can the minister please provide an update to the council on the rollout of 60 wi-fi hotspots in our key tourism locations, and how this is important to the South Australian tourism industry?

The Hon. D.W. RIDGWAY (Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment) (14:41): I thank the honourable member for her ongoing interest in South Australia's tourism industry and, in particular, in connectivity. Some time ago, the SATC embarked on a partnership with Telstra Air, Australia's largest wi-fi network, to deliver 60 wi-fi hotspots in key tourism locations that align with the six touring routes that we promote.

For context, the road trips brand entails six different routes: the Epicurean Way, the Explorers Way, the Mighty Murray Way, the Seafood Frontier, the Coastal Way and the Southern Ocean Drive. This great wi-fi initiative is providing connectivity for visitors at some of South Australia's most iconic and remote locations, allowing free access to unlimited data for one hour per day, using their smart phone, mobile device or laptop.

In May, I was pleased to be involved in the unveiling of one of those hotspots in Hahndorf. At that time, nine hotspots had been switched on in Hahndorf, Moana, Moonta Bay, Angaston, Beachport, Port MacDonnell, Victor Harbor, Tailem Bend and Kingscote. I am pleased to report that, as of today, 59 of the 62 sites have been delivered, and I think we got excited and decided to do extras rather than just 60. The remaining three are going live this month, and they are Port Lincoln, Elliston and Kimba.

As of about a month ago, over 8,000 users had utilised a wi-fi service, and the SATC is monitoring use and looking to gain data like regular numbers and the country of origin. To highlight the availability of free wi-fi, the SATC has commenced the installation of signage at each of the wi-fi locations. The signs provide local information and touring route information. The wi-fi hotspots provide visitors with free access to the internet for up to one hour per day.

Social media hashtags help users post content on social media platforms monitored by the SATC, and the quick response, or QR codes, on each sign can be scanned by Chinese visitors to obtain the translated information. This is another great step towards enhancing the visitor experience and allowing guests to make the most of their time in South Australia. We know that people want to be able to locate our restaurants, use our maps and share experiences and happy snaps online in real time with no language barrier.

We are nearing the completion of this exciting initiative, and the wi-fi hotspots that are listed are on the southaustralia.com website. While I speak of websites, I think the honourable member in a previous question asked me about the Shanghai office: it is on the Department for Trade, Tourism and Investment's website, I have been advised, so maybe she might like to have a closer look.

I encourage all of you—you, Mr President, all the members of the chamber, all the staff and people listening—to promote our great state and our great regions, utilise the service and share your travels using the hashtag #seesouthaustralia.

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