AN alliance of four peak Tasmania industry organisations has launched an education and awareness program to promote the business advantages and opportunities of the National Broadband Network now in the early stages of roll-out throughout Tasmania.

The Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA), Tourism Industry Council Tasmania (TCIT) and the Tasmanian Small Business Council (TSBC) have developed NBN4Business as a joint promotion to their members and stakeholders.

A spokesman for the alliance, TCCI CEO Robert Wallace, said the partnership provided an effective mechanism to inform the wide spectrum of Tasmanian business and industry about the NBN.

“The NBN roll-out probably represents the greatest advantage for Tasmanian business and the State economy since hydro-industrialisation and it is vital we maximise this,” Mr Wallace said.

“We have a relative small window when Tasmania will likely be the most connected community, not only in Australia, but around the world and we must grasp this.

“Most businesses will know about the NBN, but they may not know about the opportunities for education and business, or how they can access these.

“That is where NBN4Business comes in and jointly, we will be informing our stakeholders and advising them of the opportunities.”

Mr Wallace said NBN4Business was developing a series of 16 forums and workshops that would be conducted around the State from next month.

“These will take place in smaller centres such as Smithton, Huonville, St Helens and Strahan, as well as in the cities. We’ll also be conducting them on King and Flinders Island to ensure the message is spread far and wide.

“The forums will deliver comprehensive NBN information and awareness to the Tasmanian business community and outline how the NBN is different from the internet, outline the new trend, tools and technology and importantly, what if can do for business, particularly Tasmanian small business.

“Participants will receive practical information and reference material and will hear case studies from businesses already using the broadband to advantage.”

Mr Wallace said other promotional activities would include the distribution of regular information and updates to stakeholders, a dedicated website and broad media communication.

The activity would build on the foundation established by the community forums conducted by NBN Tasmanian Co.

“The NBN roll-out offers fantastic opportunities for Tasmanian business and through NBN4Business our four organisations will be working strategically to ensure we take the greatest advantage,” Mr Wallace said.