Building Liveability Through Connectivity: Reflections from the Toowoomba Bush Summit

I had the privilege of joining the Toowoomba Bush Summit to talk about liveability in regional Australia. I was joined on a panel by Danny Baldwin, Queensland State Director of Store Operations at Woolworths, and Tanaya Treadwell, CEO of the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce, with Gold Coast Bulletin editor, Ann Wason Moore moderating.

For me, liveability in the regions comes down to one word: connectivity. Whether it’s access to digital services, the resilience of our networks, or the opportunities technology can unlock, connectivity shapes education, health, employment, safety, and social connection.

Toowoomba has a wonderful, relaxed pace of life, but that doesn’t mean people should accept slower digital connections. The reality is, people don’t always know where you’re located, so the service has to keep pace everywhere, at the same time.

Optus is continuing to invest in our network and we’re accelerating our 5G rollout in the regions, fast-tracking the number of 5G sites to 1500 by 2028 and 2,444 by the end of 2030.  The roll out will help with more coverage and allow other critical industries to continue to innovate. 

I’m proud of our work with the Toowoomba Regional Council, where we’ve deployed 68,000 smart water meters. These meters allow residents to track their water use in near real time through a web portal or app and receive alerts about leaks. The Optus-led consortium has delivered a complete smart solution powered by IoT and data. Once fully rolled out, Council will be able to manage the water network more efficiently, while residents gain greater control over their own usage. It’s a clear example of how smart technology and connectivity can drive efficiency and sustainability.

Connectivity is bigger than mobile phones, it’s about the infrastructure that underpins daily life. Take AI platforms like Perplexity, for example. It’s a tool I use in my daily life and makes my life easier.  I’ve even learnt how to code an app using AI – and believe me, I am no coder. But it is these types of tools that will project communities forward. So while building the next wave of infrastructure is fantastic, it’s making sure it’s affordable, accessible and people are educated on how to use it. 

Every Australian deserves access to tools that simplify life, boost productivity, and improve decision-making. AI is helping us learn, work, and plan like never before. That’s why we are offering new and existing mobile customers a 12 month trial of Perplexity Pro, an AI-powered search engine, valued at $300.   

Connectivity is also about keeping people safe. When cyclones or natural disasters hit, communities can quickly become isolated. We used to have clear seasons, but today preparedness has to mean being always on.
We’ve deployed generators in every state that can be mobilised ahead of risk events. When issues arise, our priority is keeping communities – and emergency services – connected. Looking ahead, the potential of Low Earth Orbit Satellites is exciting and we’re committed to being at the forefront of this rural-benefiting technology. 

One of the most exciting conversations we had on the panel was about the future of work. Too often, people in regional centres with big ambitions have felt they need to leave home to succeed. Connectivity is changing that.
Geography shouldn’t be the only driver of employment. The dream is being able to live where you want to live and do what you want to do.

The next natural step is about education and digital literacy. Digital connectivity unlocks endless opportunities, but it also comes with risks and challenges when words and actions online cause harm. 

Since 2013, Optus has delivered the award-winning Digital Thumbprint program to primary and secondary students. Through facilitator-led and teacher-led interactive workshops, students gain practical skills in online safety and wellbeing, while learning about privacy, security, and the responsible use of technology. As one of Australia’s longest-running digital safety education programs, it has grown beyond the classroom, offering families free, engaging resources that spark important conversations at home.

At its heart, connectivity is about more than towers and technology – it’s about keeping people safe, supported, and able to seize opportunity no matter where they live. By continuing to invest in rural and regional connectivity, we can help communities thrive in good times and stay strong in challenging ones.