Damon Thomas , independent candidate for Lord Mayor in the forthcoming Hobart City Council elections, today raised the possibilities of expanding the Hobart waterfront free Wi-Fi initiative into public spaces in the greater Hobart CBD, to provide a seamless communication from the waterfront to the CBD.
Alderman Thomas stressed the importance of the project in making Hobart more liveable and convenient for visitors.
“Under the banner of Wireless Tasmania, the Hobart Wireless Waterfront project is important for locals, visitors, businesses and students alike, providing a contemporary way of interacting with the city, it’s offerings, services and history.
“The current Hobart Wireless Waterfront roll out was a real example of government and industry involvement in the installation and operation of a wireless broadband network for the benefit of the community and visitors to Hobart’s historic waterfront,” Alderman Thomas said.
The TECC received the Australian Telecommunication’s User Group (ATUG) 2010 National Community Sector Broadband award for the project. The ATUG Awards are the oldest and most respected Awards for Australian Communications achievements and recognise the achievements of people and organisations working to advance the use of communications services which are now so critical to business growth, competitiveness and efficiency.
Alderman Thomas wants to extend the current wireless coverage and service possibilities to the mix of traditional hospitality, retail, industrial, cultural and creative sectors that form the commercial and institutional enterprises spread throughout the Hobart CBD.
”This would complement build upon the work already undertaken by Council in the Gehl Report, by ensuring free connectivity is made available in public spaces,” he said.
“Not only will this help with greater connectivity access around Hobart, but Council could also capitalize by supporting any roll out of infrastructure to help deliver new and innovative services and information.Opportunities could arise for the provision of information about traffic, public transport, parking availability or paying for parking online, and the use of fixed and movable cameras for public safety and tourism.
“Local traders and businesses would no doubt welcome another opportunity to draw people and keep them in the CBD.
“The benefits of shared public access infrastructure is something that I am keen to pursue and encourage Council to see where we could maximize our opportunities.
“I am aware that the availability of Wi-Fi on the waterfront has enabled Hobart software developers the opportunities to develop and test their ideas. It has benefitted the community and art groups and organisations like the Cancer Council, Beerfest, MONA FOMA that use the existing wireless infrastructure for events, so minimising their set-up and communication costs.
With planned developments in the CBD and on the waterfront looking to attract more people, this initiative will be another plank in the quest to make Hobart standout as a vital and liveable city,” Alderman Thomas said.
