Researchers say the increasing number of ageing desert travellers poses considerable headaches for governments and service providers, whose services are often based on delivery in cities where resources, skills and clients are closely concentrated.

The problem was made worse because they needed more health care than other age groups.

The Desert Knowledge CRC research is being undertaken by Professor Bernard Guerin, of the University of South Australia, and Dr Pauline Guerin, of Flinders University.

"In recent times mobility has been augmented by widespread use of 4WDs and SUVs," they said.

"The rise of the grey nomad, in particular, has confronted planners with thorny questions about where best to locate health care services in desert regions."

The researchers believe technology is coming to the rescue, with new ways to deliver services no matter where travellers were. These included telemedicine, videoconferencing, online education and training, and online technical advice.

They said Desert Knowledge CRC was also trialling the iOutback™ electronic bulletin board for online information to grey nomads and others moving around deserts.

"For these educational and health online services to be effective in desert Australia, however, there will need to be dramatic improvement in the coverage and quality of broadband and mobile telephony services," Prof. Guerin said.

"One hopes that the federal government's $43 billion National Broadband Network proposal will pay close attention to the needs of desert Australians as well as those in the cities ... not fall into the same trap of developing services suited only to an urban setting."

For more information, go to www.desertknowledgecrc.com.au

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