APBAG chairman Ian O’Loan with Beam Internet’s Josh Helbig, APC Mayor Mark Wasley and Memberfor Grey Rowan Ramsey MP, in Two Wells, inspecting a Wi-Fi installation point. PHOTO: Supplied
LOCAL business owners, tourists and residents across the region are set to benefitfrom free Wi-Fi, following the delivery of a collaborative project by the Adelaide Plains Business Advisory Group (APBAG).
The project, which covers identified business, and tourism locations in Mallala, Two Wells, Dublin and Thompson Beach has been funded by the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Program (DCP) and supported by Beam Internet, Adelaide Plains Council (APC), Regional Development Australia - BGLAP, and the advisory group.
Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said he had been pleased at some of the community initiatives which have come into fruition due to the DCP round of funding.
“Projects like these are happening across my electorate and it’s been fascinating to see what a difference this program has made to so many local communities,” he said.
“Communications are very important in our rural and regional areas, particularly for our local business owners, so to introduce free Wi-Fi will be a real stimulus.”
APBAG chairman Ian O’Loan said the idea for the project stemmed from a joint ‘digital township’ grant application, put together by the advisory group to council.
“The Adelaide Plains has a very limited digital presence, (and) we wanted to give something back to the business community and believed in the importance of connectivity,” he said.
“It was a great way for us to all work together to make a real difference.
“We directly approached a number of local businesses and received overwhelming support of this connectivity project, which was really appreciated.”
Mr O’Loan thanked Josh Helbig from Beam Internet who was currently sponsoring the monthly Internet usage.
“It has been an investment for Beam Internet, but we saw this project as a way to help the local Adelaide Plains Council area economy, plus its part of our social responsibility,” Mr Helbig said.
APC Mayor Mark Wasley said the project had a twofold effect, given it was going to be delivered to the community during COVID-19, further assisting the community to overcome isolation.
Installations are due to start in the towns by the end of August and are expected to be completed by the end of October.
Promotional stickers promoting the ‘free Wi-Fi’ will be displayed in the various locations in the towns once it is switched on.
