Bushnet helps communities around the State go online

24/2/00

Community organisations from Denmark to Kununurra are about to go online, with the help of the BUSHnet web site program.
Primary Industry Minister Monty House said funding for 20 community web sites was provided through the Progress Rural Western Australia initiative, which was investing $10 million into regional projects around the State.
"The community web sites will enable these organisations to efficiently and effectively disseminate information to their communities into the future," Mr House said.
"Bushnet will also assist these groups in the development of chat room and bulletin boards allowing them to use the site as an effective communication tool.
"Internet users from around the world will be able to learn more about these groups and their activities."
Organisations including seniors groups, grower committees and sporting teams received guidance and funding of up to $5000 to develop a web site.
The web sites will be linked to the BUSHnet portal site, which will be a first point of call for people seeking rural information.
"BUSHnet is designed to be a catalyst for rural community development by encouraging people to share their experiences and knowledge," Mr House said.
"The diversity of the participants, from schools to arts councils to an Aboriginal Corporation, reflects the diversity of our rural community.
"I look forward to viewing their web sites in the near future."
Soon to be on the internet are the Blackwood Basin Group, Bridgetown First, Busselton Seniors Computer Clip, Central Agricultural and Pastoral Aboriginal Corporation, Corrigin Farm Improvement Group, Gascoyne Sports, Gascoyne Youth Co-ordinator Network, Mingenew-Irwin Group, Ord Growers, South Coast Regional Initiative Planning Team, South West Womens Health and Information Centre, Teleyouth, the Art Cultural Development Council of Geraldton, Tobey Inlet Catchment Group, WA Country Manager, Wagin Agricultural Society, Western Australian Agribusiness Development Centre, Western Dairy Incorporated and the Yarra Yarra Catchment Group.
For more information on the BUSHnet program contact co-ordinator Kieran McCluskey.

Media contact: Julie Cole 9481 2044
Progress Rural WA web site: http://www.progressrural.wa.gov.au