How councils are helping their communities prepare for a digital future

Like many local authorities, Tasman District Council has prepared a Digital Enablement Plan as part of its application to the Government for extended broadband internet access and mobile coverage. One of the aims is to make it possible for people to enjoy visiting or living in the beauty of remote locations while continuing to make a living.
Better broadband and mobile access is critical to making it easier for people to move away from the big centres to rural locations, by ensuring people can continue to telecommute, or find new ways to sell services and products via the Internet.
Tasman's Digital Enablement Plan includes examples of the many ways councils can actively enhance the community’s use of digital infrastructure for social and economic benefits, including:

• co-ordinating projects involving many different parties including the chamber of commerce, polytechnic, economic development agency, marae, schools and training providers
• providing dedicated staff time at local libraries to assist people to use digital devices
• support for programmes that promote innovation and entrepreneurship, which is critical to a successful digital culture
• facilitating the roll out of ultra-fast broadband to remote areas by assigning a planner as a point of contact for infrastructure providers.

The Government’s guide to developing a digital enhancement plan is available here.