Cape Transaction Centres the Missing Piece
The delivery of transaction centres to Cape York communities is a vital component in the process of building the indigenous small business community of the region. Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation calls on the Federal Government to fast-track the processing of applications for Rural Transaction Centres (RTCs) to maximise their ability to leverage off other initiatives.
"The RTCs will provide a focal point for small business development as well as essential office space that is virtually non-existent in the cape," says Gerhardt Pearson, Executive Director of Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation. "It's important that they are put in place quickly to take advantage of the momentum that has been created by projects such as Business Hubs, Family Income Management, and the Cape York Digital Network."
The fact that remote indigenous communities of the region are relatively new and have rapidly growing populations has resulted in a shortage of infrastructure suitable to host emerging small businesses. Many of the remote communities in Cape York have acknowledged this and identified the RTC program as part of the solution.
"It is difficult enough for anyone in a remote part of Australia to get a small business up and running, but at least people in remote towns down south can set up in the old bank building or butchers shop," says Mr. Pearson. "Up here that option simply does not exist."
Apart from providing shop-front opportunities for individuals and family businesses, the RTCs will be able to host existing operations that are laying the groundwork for a viable private sector in the indigenous communities of the cape.
This will reduce pressure on the local council and establish a one-stop business center where people can access services such as videoconferencing, an internet café, business advice, banking and income management assistance. The Cape York Digital Network will allow all clients of the RTC to enjoy the latest in managed communications and information technology, which is essential for remote business operations.
"There are many initiatives that are making progress, but have been hindered by a lack of available infrastructure," says Balkanu's Executive Director. "Getting the RTCs on the ground as quickly as possible will make their job a lot easier, and mark the beginning the 'main street' in towns that have never had one."
Background:
Funded by the Federal Department of Transport and Regional Services, Balkanu assisted the RTC Field Officer in the publicity of the program and development of applications for the communities of Cape York during the application period (now expired). Individual councils compiled and lodged submissions.
Contacts:
Gerhardt Pearson. Executive Director, Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation: 0419 773 433.
Richard Aken. Chairman, Balkanu Cape York Development Corporation: 0427 519 089
Balkanu Office: 07 4051 8089 (Kimiko Gabey)
Sue Connolly: Community Manager, Cape York Digital Network. 0428 832 887
Ray Heffernan: Business Manager, Cape York Digital Network. 0419 717 485
For further information
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