Policy information
Regional Development and Innovation
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Rural and Community Development
Published on
Last updated on
The Regional Development and Innovation Unit is responsible for the Department's work on digital development in rural communities, including the Broadband Connection Point initiative, the national hub network strategy, and a range of other initiatives, partnerships and funding schemes.
The unit works across government, and with non-governmental bodies, to deliver practical initiatives that benefit rural, isolated and under-served communities.
Broadband Connection Points provide onsite connectivity for community use at publicly accessible premises, such as community centres and sports clubs. They are located in rural and isolated areas including on a number of off-shore islands and support remote working, digital skills training and a range of community initiatives.
You can find the 300 BCP locations on the Connected Communities webpage.
Projects in thematic areas such as Arts and Culture and Digital Skills and Education have been developed in partnership with key stakeholders and rolled out to suitable BCPs across the network.
In 2021, pilot programmes managed by the Department commenced at a number of BCPs. These pilot projects identified development opportunities at BCPs that will make the sites sustainable and to ensure the maximum benefit possible to local communities.
Current pilot projects being include:
Our Rural Future recognises the opportunity that remote working presents for rural rejuvenation and commits to establishing a comprehensive and integrated national network of remote working hubs.
Remote working hubs provide an opportunity for people to continue to live in rural communities while following their career ambitions, supporting the retention of skilled people in rural communities and attracting mobile talent to rural areas. They can reduce commuting time, while lowering transport emissions, providing a better work-life balance and improved quality of life.
In 2021 the Connected Hubs platform was launched, a shared online booking and payments platform for remote working hubs and their users. An interactive map on the platform shows the location and details of each remote working hub on the network and allows remotes workers to book and pay for desks and meeting rooms.
The Department, together with the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, and in consultation with key stakeholders is leading on the formulation of a National Hub Network Strategy. Services provided by hubs within the scope of the strategy are grouped into three pillars; Digital Communities, Hub Working and Enterprise. The BCP network is the focus of the actions for the community pillar of the strategy.