25/9/03
Small towns and remote communities across Western Australia are being offered publicly accessible Internet facilities known as Telecentre Access Points (TAP).
Regional Development Minister Tom Stephens has launched a regional advertising campaign aimed at increasing the uptake of these important facilities in country communities.
"The TAP program creates an excellent opportunity for small, remote communities, with populations of up to 1,000, to obtain public Internet facilities," Mr Stephens said.
"Local people and visitors can use the TAPs to access e-mail, Government information and services, banking and other business services.
"Providing public Internet access in small communities is important in ensuring a fairer deal for people in regional WA.
"Local governments, or community-based, non-profit organisations such as schools, sporting clubs, progress associations or telecentres in nearby towns, are eligible to apply.
"Applicants can choose to receive either a coin operated Internet booth or an office-style workstation that may include items such as a printer and scanner, in addition to personal computers.
"There are no fees charged to supply and install a TAP. However, pay-for-use arrangements contribute to its ongoing maintenance costs."
The Department of Local Government and Regional Development manages the TAP program, which is funded by the Federal Government's Networking the Nation program.
Applications close December 22.
For more information visit the Telecentre Network Website http://www.telecentres.wa.gov.au/tap or contact James McCluskey at the Department of Local Government and Regional Development on 9217 1500 or 1800 620 511 (Freecall from the country), or email jmccluskey@dlgrd.wa.gov.au.
Minister's Office - 9213 6500
