Local government welcomes NBN expansion
April 07, 2009
The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) has welcomed the Rudd Government's announcement that it will build a significantly expanded National Broadband Network (NBN).
ALGA President Cr Geoff Lake said, "Today's announcement is great news for local communities given the vital role broadband will play in the competitiveness of regions.
"The Government's promise to provide access to affordable fast broadband to every house, school and business in Australia is to be applauded. The delivery of fibre direct to 90% of Australian homes and the planned investment in wireless and satellite technology for all other Australians will allow local communities to realise enormous economic and social opportunities.
"Local communities have waited too long for adequate broadband services and we are delighted with today's decision to invest such significant sums in expanding Australia's productive capacity and educational frontiers.
"We also welcome the Government's announcement that it will mandate fibre to the home in all new greenfield developments. Councils have been advocating for this initiative for some time and it's pleasing the Government will now give fast broadband a similar priority to other utility services in planning new housing estates."
However Cr Lake has warned that the roll-out of the $43 billion infrastructure is of an unprecedented scale and has urged the Government to work with local government to ensure that the interests of the 21 million residents living throughout Australia are taken into account.
"The roll-out of the NBN infrastructure will involve laying overhead cables and cutting up roads, footpaths and nature strips", Cr Lake said.
"Local government recognises that a project of this scale requires an expedited delivery model. However, a fast broadband network completed by 2017 and sensitivity to local community interests are not mutually exclusive. Councils stand ready and willing to help deliver this ambitious nation building program."
ALGA has been a long standing proponent of the NBN. In ALGA's State of the Regions report released last year, National Economics estimated that the opportunity cost in 2008-09 of Australia's inadequate broadband infrastructure was $3.2 billion and resulted in a loss of about 33,000 jobs.
- Contact
- Cr Geoff Lake, ALGA President - 0411 645 281
- Amanda Lynch, Director, Public Affairs 0419 123 862 / 02 6122 9434
