DiscoverLaunceston and the future of eLaunceston eLaunceston - Past and Present The aim of the eLaunceston research project was to test the hypothesis that relevant and up to date local information on the internet would stimulate and increase the use of the internet by the general public. The centre piece for the research was a web portal which was a new concept that was not well understood at that time. The factors such as demographics and educational facilities were used to short list suitable cities. Ballarat, for example was another location considered. Launceston was deemed to be a good size; big enough to provide meaningful research, small enough to manageable. The schools, TAFE, colleges, Australian Maritime College and the University were desirable facilities. Our own newspaper, The Examiner, which had a strong community focus was another advantage. The main factors that brought the project to Launceston were the innovative nature of the city, and the strong support from all areas of the community for the region. Innovation was demonstrated to Telstra by the city running a Search Conference around that time, to set the strategic direction of the city. Strong community support was clearly led by Launceston City Council, and well supported by the Newspaper and the various educational institutions and industry generally. Telstra's local people were enthusiastic and committed to the region over and above running telecommunications, and were actively engaged with the community at all levels. Telstra and the Launceston City Council had an excellent working relationship. The community, and indeed Telstra, weren't sure exactly where the project would lead, but Launceston true to its reputation, embraced the project with enthusiasm confident that pursuing the new technologies would be a benefit the region. The portal and the eLaunceston project were positive factors influencing the selection of Launceston for the Launceston Broadband Project and the establishment of the B-eLab. eLaunceston as a project was completed in June 2002. It provided valuable data for Telstra and was excellent opportunity to put Launceston at the forefront of Information Technology opportunities. Introducing DiscoverLaunceston Due to the ongoing positive relation between Launceston City Council, Telstra Country Wide and B-eLab the work as continued with now the launch of Discover Launceston. Notice to eLaunceston users Your eLaunceston services, such as email and web page access, will still be available and accessible through this page (www.elaunceston.com). Your bookmarks and links do not need to be updated.