Council: Etheridge Shire Council
Mayor: Mayor Barry Hughes
Population: The 2020 Estimated Resident Population of Etheridge is 794
Like many communities in remote and rural areas – the local pub in the town of Georgetown is the focal point when it comes to community gatherings.
In Georgetown however, transactions in the pub are often hindered by a lack of digital connectivity required to run the Eftpos machine – a basic requirement taken for granted in most businesses across the country.
Etheridge Shire Council Mayor Barry Hughes calls the situation ‘unacceptable.’
“On many occasions I’ve seen the proprietor have to walk out and hold the Eftpos machine skyward - hoping that a passing satellite can direct enough power down here,” he said.
“We currently cannot reliably serve the public, in a standard that Australians would expect to be treated when they come to do business in a small place like this.
“What we’re after is increased capacity to support the demand, especially in peak times when the tourist seasons are on and we have thousands upon thousands of visitors coming through our shire.”
This Federal Election, Australian councils are calling for the continuation of the Stronger Regional Digital Connectivity Package to improve community resilience and local economic recovery.
Continuing the $55 million fund would ensure small rural communities like Georgetown are not left behind when it comes to leveraging and connecting to our national digital economy.
Every Queensland community contributes to the economic fabric of this nation. Every Queensland community deserves to be a liveable one. This Federal Election, councils have a set of priorities that will create more than 8000 jobs and generate $1.5 billion in economic activity for Queenslanders.
