Senator Fiona Nash will consult with the NBN this week about concerns around key Mortlake service providers missing out on faster internet service.
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The Regional Communications, Regional Development and Local Government and Territories minister visited Mortlake on Monday where she met with Wannon MP Dan Tehan and Moyne Shire councillor Jill Parker.
Constituents and Moyne Shire councillors contacted Mr Tehan raising concerns about the significant shortfalls in the proposed fibre-to-the-node (FTTN) network.
At a meeting in May, Moyne Shire councillors highlighted concerns about a lack of FTTN available “east of Officer Street”.
It will mean slower wireless technology will have to be used at Mortlake P-12, Mortlake Preschool, Abbeyfield, Terang & Mortlake Health Service, the SES, CFA, police and ambulance stations, the Moyne Shire offices, and more than 130 residences and community facilities.
Mr Tehan said he hoped the proposed service area could be extended to ensure key providers were included in the FTTN network.
“I’m very happy to go and have a look and have a chat to NBN,” Senator Nash said. “They’ve obviously done all of the calculations across the national network and it’s the balance between what we want to do and what we can afford. That’s the balance that they’ve come to.”
She said she would take the planned rollout map to the NBN and seek “clarification about which platforms are being rolled out where” and what it will mean for those affected.
“It’s a two stage thing. In the first instance let’s identify whether there is going to be an issue particularly for these service providers and then hopefully the answer will be no. There won’t be an issue. They’ll be able to do everything they want to do on wireless.
“If there is an issue then we look at it and say is there anything that can be done about it?
“We’ll go to them and get a really good explanation of the why and the actual technology, where it sits and what can and can’t be done,” Senator Nash said.
She said she understood the community’s concern and would report back to Mr Tehan.
Mr Tehan said it was good to discuss the issue with the senator and he would further consult with those affected.
Cr Parker said she was pleased to meet with the federal government representatives and that there would be “an explanation for the reasons why” and how the boundaries were selected. “It’s a positive that we’re being heard,” she said. “Whether anything will come of it is to be decided but at least it’s being considered.”