The power of the NBN was showcased at the University of New England last Friday with a demonstration of the SMARTFarm initiative that uses sensors and video/audio connectivity through the NBN to monitor on-farm data, including stock movements and soil moisture. It will serve as an educational resource for teachers from primary school through to university, with particular benefit for those studying agriculture and environmental sciences. SMARTFarm is also a platform to teach the wider agricultural industry about the potential of NBN-enabled technologies to improve farm productivity and resilience.
The Minister for Broadband, Communications & the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy and the Independent Member for New England, Tony Windsor saw firsthand evidence of the huge potential of the NBN to regional initiatives like SMARTFarm.
“Having been chosen as one of the first towns in mainland Australia to be connected to the NBN, Armidale is already at the forefront of telecommunications,” said Tony Windsor.
“Minister Conroy’s visit is a reflection of the extraordinary opportunities available to local people thanks to the NBN.
“Even though the NBN is in its infancy, programs like SMARTFarm are proof that local people have grasped this opportunity and are running with it.”
Mr Windsor says these new initiatives demonstrate the widespread opportunities of the NBN.
“SMARTFarm has the potential to help Australian farmers make the next great leap in productivity.”
