Based upon the concept of community self help and ownership UCCEDO has sought to fill the needs of the broader community through drawing upon the expertise and resources of existing village Progress Associations, other peak community organizations, and motivated individuals in the Upper Clarence.

UCCEDO has taken over from Upper Clarence Combined Landcare in managing the local call Internet access project for the region, and close to 30% of households are now connected to the Internet. Public access Internet facilities now are available at Old Bonalbo, and there have been some 170 placements in accredited adult Internet and computing training.

UCCEDO has also been successful in securing Mobile Phone access to the area through the Networking the Nation Program. Two CDMA towers were commissioned in 2002 and another is due for completion in 2003. This initiative not only provides economic and personal safety benefits to the population of the Upper Clarence, but also sets in place another foundation for the continued growth of the tourism industry.

After successfully seeking funds from the Online Tourism Program UCCEDO has most recently driven the development of a regional tourism Web Page (www.cleanandgreen.com.au) designed to highlight the assets of the region and coordinate operator marketing effort.

Members of UCCEDO will continue to provide regional representation and drive regional planning while building community capacity and accessing and distributing information to the community.

Contact: Terry Moody (02) 66653133
uccedo@tpg.com.au