Rural businesses are being hamstrung by poor internet access and a solution to the problem is long overdue, according to an expert in regional innovation and small businesses.
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Dianna Somerville, Founder of 8point8 – in reference to the 8.8 million people living in regional Australia – is spearheading change for businesses in regional Australia head-on, starting with Wagga.
Ms Somerville said poor connectivity prevents local businesses from taking full advantage of online markets, as well as causing other major issues.
These issues, she said, can manifest in locals who live 20 minutes out of Wagga having no reception to call emergency services, or schools being behind on the latest technology to educate their students.
Ms Somerville spent a significant amount of time last year travelling around regional Australia last year meeting with councils, business chambers universities and many other groups and residents researching issues that regional Australia faces.
While councils and local governments want to embrace the changes, Ms Somerville said there are no models or systems for them to put in place.
These problems were a major motivator behind her decision to start 8point8 and travel Australia.
“To engage in the future of work and the way work will be done is so important,” she said.
“It’s important that people can connect and be a part of that future workforce.”
8point8 will host the Regional Innovation and Small Business Conference where ‘leaders and feeders’ from across regional Australia converge in Wagga Wagga on August 21 to 23 to work on these issues.