Funding for innovative Geelong broadband projects

Monday, 10 October 2011

Applications are now being sought for Geelong projects that develop innovative broadband solutions to boost productivity, Minister for Technology Gordon Rich-Phillips announced today.

Expressions of Interest under Round 2 of the Broadband-Enabled Innovation Program (BEIP) will be accepted until Friday 4 November 2011.

Up to $6 million of funding is available for projects which use high-capacity broadband to improve service delivery in business, government and the community.

Broadband has the potential to transform the way Victorians do business. It allows businesses to develop innovative solutions, improve productivity, and ultimately provide a better service to customers. This funding is available to Geelong's industry bodies, local government, community organisations, business groups and Victorian Government departments.

The funding specifications require projects to be collaborations between organisations, to promote better business links and encourage innovation across industry sectors.

Round 2 of the program will focus on productivity through service delivery transformation using high capacity broadband.

Mr Rich-Phillips encouraged applications from Geelong organisations that plan to enhance their operations or the service they provide through innovative broadband solutions.

"Through the BEIP, the Victorian Government is supporting our economy to harness the power of broadband to improve productivity," Mr Rich-Phillips said.

"The Government recognises that effective and innovative use of broadband is key to building and maintaining Victoria's competitive advantage and sustaining the state's reputation as a globally competitive and sophisticated ICT market."

Expressions of Interest for Round 2 of the BEIP open today and close on Friday 4 November 2011. For further information including details of information sessions and how to apply visit www.mmv.vic.gov.au/beip