A physically and digitally connected region

Photo credit: Taro Taylor

For our communities, businesses and visitors to be connected through a diverse range of safe, inclusive, low impact private and public transport options and high quality, reliable internet and mobile telecommunications services.

Advocacy

As an advocate for the region NRJO is committed to working with the Commonwealth and NSW State Government to connect our region through safe and effective roads and transport and reliable internet and telecommunications.

Road funding

Accelerated road repair program through doubling the funding of the Commonwealth Government’s Roads to Recovery Program and the NSW Government’s Regional Roads Repair Program over the next four years.

Advocacy brief (288kB PDF)

Rail corridor

Re-instatement of rail corridor for transport purposes.

Projects

Digital connectivity and mobile phone coverage

Goal 7 of the NRJO’s strategic regional priorities is to ensure equitable access to fast, reliable, and competitively priced digital connectivity and mobile phone coverage for businesses and residents, enhancing economic opportunities and livability.

The recent report, delivered by Gravelroad Group, provides a comprehensive analysis of mobile network coverage and digital infrastructure across the Northern Rivers. Key findings include:

Mobile Network Analysis: Comparison of mobile tower sites and coverage maps from 2018 to 2022 for 3G, 4G, and 5G networks.
Signal Testing: Detailed signal strength and network performance assessments across various local government areas.
User Experience: Testing using commonly owned handsets to gauge real-world performance.

The report, mapped into a Geographic Information System (GIS), offers actionable insights and makes two main recommendations:

Engage with National Carriers: Prioritize investment in new mobile network sites and upgrades to ensure comprehensive coverage across all member council areas.
Seek Government Support: Collaborate with federal and state governments to access funding programs like the Mobile Black Spot Program to further enhance digital infrastructure.

This initiative aims to reduce the digital divide and provide more equitable access to essential connectivity for the Northern Rivers community.

Mobile coverage issues, opportunities, and advocacy priorities report (41.8mB pDF)

From Roots to Routes: An innovative vision of freight for the Northern Rivers NSW

NRJO co-sponsored the development of a strategy, undertaken through Southern Cross University, to set out the appropriate regional development for better access to Brisbane, southern Queensland and northern NSW.

The Strategy has identified 20 initiatives that together realise the vision for the freight and supply chain network and needs of the Northern Rivers Region.

Executive summary (2.06mB PDF)

Freight and supply chain study (887kB PDF)

A ground up approach to freight and supply chain planning for the Northern Rivers NSW (1.68mB PDF)

Appendices A-B (5.73mB PDF)
1. Research report.
2. Modelling summary.
Appendices C-F (5.49mB PDF)
1. Freight and supply chain scoping study.
2. Workshop report.
3. Specific first mile last mile needs identified by stakeholders.
4. Initiatives identified in agengy plans and by Local Government.