Visitors to Coogee Beach can now access up to 2 gigabytes of free public wifi per day in a move that will help to close the gap in the digital divide, Randwick Mayor Kathy Neilson announced Thursday.

“People who don’t have easy access to fast internet at home will now be able to connect to and take advantage of the digital services that best serve their needs,” Mayor Neilson said.

“Wifi technology plays a big role in increasing people’s quality of life and is an essential part of creating a truly smart city. It allows people to find the nearest café, connect with friends and gain easy access to data. It’s something that Randwick Council is proud to offer.”

“Our free wifi will have an added benefit for tourists as well, providing visitors the opportunity to access real-time information, check travel details and stay in touch with family while they’re on the go.”

Maroubra Beach will soon offer free public wifi and the Coogee Bay Road town centre will include a free wireless network once the streetscape upgrade has been completed by December 2019.

Free public wifi is currently available at all three of Randwick City Council’s libraries, the Des Renford Leisure Centre, Heffron Park and is being extended progressively to Council community halls.

The free wifi is part of a package on new technology measures being rolled out by Randwick City Council thanks to a $300,000 Smart Cities and Suburbs Program Grant from the Australian Government Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities, along with a further $300,000 in matched funds from Randwick City Council.

For more information, please visit www.randwick.nsw.gov.au or call 1300 722 542.

Media enquiries:
Chelsea Hunter – (02) 9093 6526 or 0419 694 983 or chelsea.hunter@randwick.nsw.gov.au

Joshua Hay – 0402 351 459 or joshua.hay@randwick.nsw.gov.au