Conceived as the communications platform for both the Maroochy Clever Networks Project and the Noosa Clever Networks Project - now aligned under the Sunshine Coast Regional Council - the Connecting the Coast project is facilitating connectivity to high speed broadband by institutions, health-care providers and the general community in a partnership to secure over $11m in funding for much-needed new broadband infrastructure on the Sunshine Coast.

This initiative addresses the under-development of telecommunications infrastructure on the Sunshine Coast by utilising an innovative funding model that promotes collaboration between potential investors, and allows for more effective, targeted investment for the benefit of the partners and the broader community, specifically across education, business, and health.

In accordance with council tender and procurement processes, Connecting the Coast has pulled together direct investment from the Commonwealth Government, the Sunshine Coast Regional Council in partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast, Allegro Networks and Mach Technology, with in-kind contributions from Matthew Flinders Anglican College and Reed Property Group.

The Sunshine Coast economy is characterised by factors such as:

• its small scale;
• the need for environmental sensitivity;
• a service industry base; and
• high levels of creative and cultural value.

Within this context, supporting the knowledge economy is essential to the regions future prosperity, and resolving issues of connectivity - in terms of internet access and stakeholder relationships - is the essential element of the Connecting the Coast project.

The Sunshine Coast Council is now looking to promote the use of new services and develop more strategies for future development, while working with local organisations to improve access to telecommunications by mandating broadband infrastructure in all new developments.