“We look forward to working with NBN Co in forging the future of telecommunications in a region that has proven itself in regards to uptake of new technologies. Our region will maximize the benefits of broadband.” Mayor of Mildura Rural City Council, Cr John Arnold said.

 

Cr Margaret Thomson, Mayor of Wentworth Shire Council, said that broadband connectivity would provide new opportunities for many of the residents and business of the Wentworth Shire, enabling business growth and attraction as well as real time engagement with markets. Wentworth’s Australia Day Ambassador, Andrew Heslop, freely admitted to being an NBN champion and spoke about the difference such technology would make in the region.

 

The NBN4Mildura-Wentworth Committee has a vision that all areas of the Mildura-Wentworth region will have access to high speed broadband internet that meets capacity needs, is reliable and affordably priced.

 

One of the initial concerns of the committee is whether the satellite service, due to come on-line in 2015, will provide enough capacity to address the residential and key sector needs of the region’s rural communities.

 

“There are vast areas of both municipalities that are currently designated to receive the satellite service in 2015. Whilst this may offer a great improvement for isolated households in farming communities, concern is still being expressed in terms of latency that will impact on large businesses in these rural areas.” Mayor  Thomson said.

 

Mayor Arnold provided the example of Ouyen as a growing centre that could be considered for fibre rather than satellite.

 

“Ouyen has a population of 1,384 people and is located strategically on the Calder and Mallee Highways, being on a major Sydney-Adelaide transport route. The development of industry in the Ouyen area has grown significantly over the last decade, particularly with the introduction of mineral sand mining. Ouyen offers significant health services across the Mallee and also provides education and training venues. The need for a much improved level of broadband service in Ouyen is warranted.” Mayor Arnold said.

 

Both Council’s have enacted internal Committee’s and plans for action regarding the roll-out of NBN and will be looking forward to a positive announcement in the near future.

 

For further information on the National Broadband Network please visit www.nbnco.com.au

 

END OF MEDIA RELEASE

 

For further information or interview please contact: Jenny Grigg, NBN Spokesperson, M: 0429 922 392