$10 million network to power desert businesses

14 September 2009 - Tourism, local produce, mining services, sustainable building and creative industries are among desert industries that will benefit from the new $10 million Desert Knowledge Australia Outback Business Network Project.Launching the project today, Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said the network – which is receiving $3 million in Australian Government funding – would foster clusters that will help break down the barriers of distance faced by desert and remote businesses.
“There are more than 41,000 small and medium enterprises located across desert Australia, forming a crucial part of the Australian economy,” Senator Carr said.
“The Outback Business Network Project is an exciting initiative that will help desert businesses get smart through sharing information and harnessing new ideas.”
Senator Carr was joined at the launch by Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs, Jenny Macklin MP, and Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery, Warren Snowdon MP.
“This project will specifically target businesses which have traditionally involved indigenous people or are situated in remote areas of Australia,” Ms Macklin said.
“The network will help businesses increase revenue, reduce costs, access new markets and collaborate with other like-minded enterprises.”
Participating businesses will be linked through desert based partner organisations by a video-conferencing/teleconferencing network.
Businesses will also be linked to the Rudd Government’s Enterprise Connect Network through its Remote Enterprise Centre – boosting their access to government industry and innovation programs, universities and research organisations.
Mr Snowdon said Alice Springs was an ideal base for the network connecting outback regions from across the NT, QLD, NSW, SA and WA.
“This network brings together all the elements to help put participating enterprises on the path to a prosperous and innovative future,” Mr Snowdon said.
“Remote and outback entrepreneurs have always been known for their inventiveness and innovation. They’ve had to innovate to survive; the Outback Business Network Project will mean they are able to do this better.”
Desert Knowledge Australia and the Enterprise Connect Remote Enterprise Centre are co-located at Alice Springs’ Desert Knowledge Precinct.
Enterprise Connect is a national network of centres offering practical assistance to help small and medium enterprises thrive by focusing on innovation, creativity and excellence.

The $10 million project is funded by contributions from the Australian Government, NT Government, Desert Knowledge Australia, BHP Billiton, Qantas, Telstra and 28 regional partner organisations.

More information

Desert Knowledge Australia   www.desertknowledge.com.au