Digital disconnect in remote Indigenous communities limits Far North’s economy and career opportunities

Picture: Samuel Davis. Retrieved from cairnspost.com.au

First Nations digital creators across Far North Queensland risk being left behind with poor internet service hurting economic development in remote communities, leaders say.

Innovation Minister Leanne Linard announced two funding initiatives aimed at increasing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ digital skills in Cairns on Tuesday.

But remote communities north of Cairns risked missing out on taking advantage of such opportunities if patchy services didn’t improve, Seisia-based community organiser Talei Elu said.

“It’s not just internet and phone reception, it’s also power outages that trigger connectivity issues as well,” the former Queensland Young Australian of the Year said.

“A lot of jobs in the future will be tech-based and we hardly talk about those innovations like 3D printing, AI and other developments in our communities and schools.