Regional digital inclusion overview

State Library’s Regional Digital Development Officers (RDDOs) play a vital role in strengthening digital inclusion in regional and remote Queensland. Working closely with councils and communities, they gather insights into digital access, affordability, and ability, to inform the design and delivery of digital skills initiatives tailored to local needs.

Central West Queensland region extends from Boulia and Diamantina in the west through Barcoo, Tambo, Longreach, and Barcaldine in the east, with Winton to the north. Covering over 395,000 km², the region is sparsely populated.

While access and affordability of digital services are close to national averages, digital ability remains a significant barrier. Many residents face persistent challenges in building digital confidence and skills.

The region’s ageing population and geographic isolation compound these issues, with frontline services reporting high demand for one-on-one digital support, especially for accessing government services, online banking, and scam awareness. According to the 2023 Australian Digital Inclusion Index report, digital ability scores in very remote parts of Queensland can be as low as 45.2, compared to 53.3 in capital cities.