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FRE
April 23, 2013
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Issue 56
All systems go for NBN in Gosford he long commute to Sydney for many Central Coast workers could be a thing of the past, with the switch on of the National Broadband Network (NBN) in Gosford on Tuesday, April 23.
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Community leaders and local teleworkers switched on the NBN at 10am at the intersection of Dane Dr and Central Coast Highway, set against the backdrop of the heavy traffic on the busy Central Coast Highway. The switch on in the Gosford CBD and East Gosford connected over 1,000 premises, with the NBN rollout progressing across Berkeley Vale, West Gosford, Springfield and radiating out from Gosford and Berkley Vale Exchanges. Regional Development Australia chairman Mr Dave Abrahams said he saw the NBN rollout as another example of how the Central Coast could benefit from the sort of teamwork that the Central Coast Mariners were famous for. “The Central Coast is rapidly developing a teamwork ethos, the switch on of the NBN will further this momentum in businesses, educational institutions and for teleworking opportunities. “The NBN is an inspired policy and we’re pleased to acknowledge the very hard work local federal MPs have made on behalf of the
community. “I’m aware that not everyone understands the benefits that the NBN will bring to their lives and organisations. “It’s now a matter of continuing the educational process for the community about embracing the NBN and using it to benefit our fabulous Central Coast region,” said Mr Abrahams. Member for Robertson Ms Deborah O’Neill said the switch on was a “very exciting day for residents and businesses around Gosford who will now be connected to the NBN and all the opportunities that it will bring”. “The NBN will revolutionise the way that locals will use the internet. “We will be able to see our doctor from home, and our kids will be able to take a specialist class at another school. “The tyranny of distance will become a thing of the past,” Ms O’Neill said. More than 2,391 residents and business owners have received a free connection to the NBN and are now able to access super-fast internet. “Locals are spoilt for choice when they switch to the NBN. “A standard NBN connection to the home or office is free and retail services are available from around $30 a month from 40 ISPs,” said Ms O’Neill. Local businesses will also benefit by being able to reach new customers around the world, including right here in the growing
WE ARE THE
Member for Robertson Ms Deborah O’Neill with Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy Stephen Conroy and Mr David Abrahams
Asia-Pacific region. “This is a great opportunity for businesses to expand their operations from right here on the Central Coast into the global marketplace or for large companies to relocate into Gosford.” Ms O’Neill said. “We have 30,000 locals who commute to Sydney for work each day - that is a lot of people who would prefer to work closer to home and the NBN creates those new opportunities. “Workers will be able to tele-commute to the office a couple of days a week, so will spend less time on the
F3 or on a train and more time at home with their family. “The NBN will change the way we live, work, and access services and I’m delighted that here on the Coast we will be among the first in the country to benefit,” Ms O’Neill said. Regional Development Australia Central Coast (RDACC) CEO Mr Andrew Roach has also pledged his support the switch-on of the NBN. “The Region’s businesses and residents are set to benefit greatly from today’s switch-on of the NBN.
In proposing the Central Coast as one of the first locations for the NBN roll-out and following the successful bid for this project, RDACC established a specific broadband committee called Central Coast Broadband Infrastructure Group (CCBIG). Comprised of members from both Gosford and Wyong Councils, business leaders and representatives from educational institutions, the group works towards educating the different sectors of the community regarding developments and specific
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benefits of the NBN. “The CCBIG members have worked tirelessly to ensure the community has the opportunity to engage with spokespeople from NBN Co and that they are well informed of specific developments of the NBN as they arise” added Mr Roach. “The Central Coast is rapidly developing a teamwork ethos; the switch-on of the National Broadband Network will increase this momentum for businesses, educational institutions and for teleworking opportunities. “It’s now a matter of continuing the educational process for the community; we will demonstrate that by embracing the NBN not only will individuals and businesses benefit but so will our fabulous Central Coast Region,” said Mr Roach. A free NBN business forum will be held on Thursday, May 9, at the Central Coast Leagues Club from 12pm to 1pm. Attendees will find out about the opportunities and potential of high speed broadband and how it can help their business. Media Release, 22 Apr 2013 Nick Creevey, n2n Communications Media Release, 19 Apr 2013 Richard Mehrtens, Office of Deborah O’Neill MP Media Release, 19 Apr 2013 Brooke Simmons, Pursuit Communications