Media Statements - Bushnet scheme enters new phase

9/1/01

The Progress Rural WA BushNet program is about to move into a new phase to provide a catalyst for farming and pastoralist groups to gain greater exposure via the Internet, Primary Industry Minister Monty House said today.

For the past 18 months the BushNet program has stimulated communities, from Kununurra in the north to Esperance in the south, to capture the benefits of providing local information and gaining international exposure via the Internet.

Mr House said the Internet had now become an established communication and promotional vehicle and it was time to encourage those on the land to explore the potential of the world-wide web.

“Bushnet has achieved its goal to highlight and showcase the benefits that can be gained by using new technology to communicate and forge new and broader links throughout the world,” he said.

“More than 50 rural community groups have received funding to construct their own interactive websites that are linked into the Bushnet site.

“The program will now evolve to focus on the potential opportunities before primary producers by using the Internet.”

Producer groups can now access funding of up to $5,000 to develop their own website, which includes training to maintain the site to keep it current.

“There is a range of opportunities before primary producers of all types to use a website to provide information and to promote their product or concept to potential customers or alliances throughout Australia and around the world,” Mr House said.

“For example, Land Conservation District Committees could use a site to profile activities in their area and to share information with other interested parties.

“Stud breeders could use the site to promote gains made with genetics, while the web could provide a useful marketing tool for grain and wool grower groups.

“The potential for these and other sites is only limited by one’s imagination.”

The main criteria for funding is that the applicants must be a regional-rural producer group based in Western Australia that is primarily made up of growers.

Once the successful applicants have been chosen, they will be notified and the grant will be sent to them, along with a contact for their nearest BushNet trainer.

For more information telephone James McCluskey on 9481 2044 or download an application for from the Bushnet website at http://www.progressrural.wa.gov.au/

Media contact: Peter Jackson 481-2044