GOLD COAST NEXT ON THE LIST FOR NBN ROLLOUT

SEVENTEEN Gold Coast suburbs have been earmarked for connection to the National Broadband Network paving the way for the city to be a major IT and data hub.

Nerang, Gilston, Highland Park, Benowa, Bundall, Molendinar, Ashmore, Broadbeach Waters, Broadbeach, Miami, Mermaid Waters, Mermaid Beach, Clear Island Waters, Surfers Paradise, Labrador, Southport and Main Beach were named today by the Federal Government as locations scheduled to receive the NBN service by June 2015.

The NBN, which is being rolled out nationally, is a government controlled open-access data network that offers high-speed internet access. The network is already operating in parts of Tasmania and northern NSW.
Gold Coast Acting Mayor Daphne McDonald says the NBN will be a boon for local business.

“Businesses will be able to take advantage of high-quality video conferencing, online applications such as cloud computing and e-commerce and residents will have access to online health applications, online education and new entertainment services,” says Cr McDonald.

“The rollout of optical fibre broadband on the Gold Coast will not only have significant benefits for our residents and local businesses, it will provide the vital infrastructure needed to help lure major multi-national companies to the city.

“There has been a strong push to diversify our economy by positioning the city as an ideal location for major companies to establish IT operations, call centres and research bases here, but without reliable high-speed broadband, we are simply less attractive as an option.

“With high-speed optical fibre broadband, highly-skilled local university graduates and a number of major IT firms already having a presence here, the Gold Coast will be a much more attractive proposition for large companies to base their operations – and this means jobs.

Cr McDonald also said roll out of the NBN would provide opportunities for local construction companies.

“Rollout of the NBN requires significant capital works and this will create employment opportunities for local workers.”