Mail - Mt Evelyn Mail - 01st September 2015

Page 1

Mount Evelyn

3 Tuesday, 1 September, 2015

Pony club anger

8

A Mail News Group publication

Mail

Intense debate

18-19

Sports of all sorts

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NBN uncertainty By PETER DOUGLAS, VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS AND JESSE GRAHAM MOUNT Evelyn residents are being left in the dark about when the NBN roll-out will begin in their area. Despite an announcement expected next month from NBN Co., and suggestions of a visit from Federal Minister of Communications Malcolm Turnbull, it remains unclear whether the next stages of the roll-out will include areas of the Hills. Neither La Trobe MP Jason Wood nor Casey MP Tony Smith could nominate a timeline for Hills-based towns, from Mount Evelyn to Gembrook. Mr Wood said some considerations had been made when planning the roll-out. “NBN’s roll-out plan is developed so that the roll-out occurs in the fastest and most efficient manner but also gives a weighting to areas with poor broadband services such as the Hills,” Mr Wood said. “I’m hopeful we will get some good news in the upcoming rollout plan.” Mr Smith could provide a rough timeline for the roll-out in areas such as Healesville, Warburton and Yarra Glen, but not Mount Evelyn or surrounding townships such as Montrose and Kalorama. Meanwhile, Mr Wood and Yarra Ranges councillor, Cr Mike Clarke, have been working with Communication Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, in an effort to secure a Hills visit from the federal politician. “I work very closely with Malcolm Turnbull on a range of communications issues and he has been a regular visitor to my electorate,” Mr Wood said. “I have been in touch with Malcolm and he has agreed to come to the Hills area on his next visit.” The visit would allow Mr

Turnbull to hear from locals about their internet connections in person, though no date has been agreed on at this stage. Mr Clarke and Mr Wood are hopeful that a visit from Mr Turnbull will open his eyes to the poor quality of internet connections in the Dandenong Ranges and speed up the NBN roll-out in this area. “I believe Malcolm’s visit to the Hills, where he has an opportunity to hear from residents firsthand, will make a difference,” Mr Wood said. “People in the Hills area should not have to wait 10 years or more for fast broadband.” Though there is no definite timeline for an NBN roll-out for the Hills, Mr Wood is hopeful the next stage announcement from NBN Co. will provide more clarity. “NBN will be releasing their new roll-out plan in October,” he said. “I expect that this will give areas in my electorate much more certainty about the timeframes for rolling out the NBN.” Presently, NBN Co. rollout maps show the schedule for works to bring the NBN into areas across the country. However, the areas around the Dandenong Ranges not only do not have works underway, but are not included in the 18-month rollout plan. The Yarra Valley region to the north of the Dandenongs, and the growth corridor to the south, have either works underway to bring the NBN or works planned for the coming 18 months. However, until NBN Co. releases an updated roll-out plan, there is no estimated timeline for works to upgrade internet in the Hills. Would you like to have your say on internet connectivity when Malcolm Turnbull comes to the Hills? Send us a letter ateditor@ mailnewsgroup.com.au and let us know what concerns you have for the NBN rollout to the Hills.

Run for Jack

THE Dandenong Ranges community and beyond is being urged to support the Run for the Hills fun run organised to help out youngster Jack Mullan, 9, and his family. Jack has a rare life-threatening condition and, to provide some support, the fund-raiser is being held at the South Belgrave Reserve on Sunday, 20 September. Jack is pictured with his sister, Lucy, and mum, Belinda, with organiser Trish Flanagan (behind). See full Picture: ROB CAREW story page 5. 143584

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