19/2/02
The State Government is offering small towns and remote communities across Western Australia the chance to acquire a public Internet booth.
Local Government and Regional Development Minister Tom Stephens said a campaign was under way in the regions to interest communities in taking a booth.
"WA has a hundred units to place," Mr Stephens said.
The booths, known as Telecentre Access Points (TAPs), provide access to online services, such as the State Government's portal OnlineWA, Commonwealth information and services, banking and other business services, e-mail and the World Wide Web.
"I encourage local governments and community groups to join in this innovative program to improve remote communications," Mr Stephens said.
He said initial supply and installation would cost nothing. However, the units were coin-operated and based on a user pays basis.
"We anticipate these booths will be housed in libraries, shire offices, community centres, sporting pavilions and roadhouses," the Minister said.
He said any community at least 25km away from public Internet facilities and with a population of around 200 could qualify.
The units would be entrusted to local governments and community-based, non-profit organisations such as a nearby telecentre, school, sporting club or progress associations.
"Places which already have a booth include Menzies, Cue, Calingiri, Dumbleyung, Lake King, Sandstone and Munglinup," Mr Stephens said.
"Imintji Roadhouse, One Arm Point Community, Willare, Borden and Kukerin are about to get one."
WA's Department of Local Government and Regional Development is managing the project, funded by the Networking the Nation program.
Interested parties should contact the Department of Local Government and Regional Development's Telecentre Support Unit on 1800 628 767.
Minister's Office - 9213 6500
