Governments need to consider the ability of Small Towns, Rural Communities and Remote Areas to adapt to digital and shared models of the burgeoning platform economy (social and economic activity that is assisted by online platforms). This could present opportunities to identify private assets for new community use.101
While adoption of digital models is now widespread in many large urban centres, these services are less functional in remote communities. The consolidated provision of asset-sharing platforms for these communities could reduce the need for duplicate assets and the associated costs. Under this model, community members, visitors and other users would use online booking platforms to access community assets, such as community centres, or plant and equipment.
There is an opportunity for these assets to be captured as part of the Australian Government's forthcoming Digital Atlas of Australia's geography, which will bring together government data on people, economy, employment, infrastructure, health and the environment.
CSO policies should be structured to incorporate the cost of funding these sharing platforms.