Investment in communications infrastructure is one of the most significant areas where governments can make a difference in terms of developing ICT in a region. Broadband services are an indispensable component of business growth and community connectivity. During the consultation's Infrastructure panel, it was suggested that Ballarat's communications network is possibly better than any other regional area in Australia. Ballarat could loose ground rapidly, however, if infrastructure fails to support global competitiveness in terms of capacity and coverage. Representatives from surrounding local governments and rural areas identified the lack of broadband infrastructure as the major inhibitor of ICT growth in their regions. Active steps need to be taken to address current disadvantages.

With the growth of digital networks changing the manner in which businesses and the community use information technologies, it is imperative that Ballarat becomes a leading adopter of communications infrastructure. Early access to advanced communications infrastructure will support Ballarat's residential and business communities in taking advantage of these new opportunities.

Ballarat is in a good position to take the lead in fostering infrastructure partnerships and collaborative approaches to solving infrastructure needs. The challenge will be to ensure that the developed approach is one that cannot be easily replicated by other regions.