04/08/2010 EMRC continues to advocate for high speed broadband

The Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC) hosted an exclusive visit on 26 - 27 July 2010, from National Broadband Network Company (NBN) representative, Mr Duncan Bremner, to discuss the rollout of high speed broadband across Perth's Eastern Region.

The visit included a presentation overview of a regional business case, a tour of Perth's Eastern Region and a stakeholder forum. The forum was attended by over 40 government, industry and community representatives, and offered an opportunity to direct questions to the NBN.

EMRC lodged the Regional Business Case for Broadband Infrastructure Upgrades across Perth's Eastern Region to Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy in June 2010 at the Perth Community Cabinet Meeting.

Despite Perth's Eastern Region missing out on being named as part of the second release sites for the next stage of fibre rollout, EMRC is pleased that the business case was well received by Senator Conroy.

EMRC Chairman, Cr Graham Pittaway OAM, said "The feedback received from NBN indicated that they are looking forward to further engaging EMRC in future talks in pursuit of rolling out the program in the eastern region and recognised EMRC for having one of the three strongest business cases."

With new development projects including the consolidation of the Perth Airport; Kewdale Intermodal Freight Terminal; Midland Health Campus; Midland GP Super Clinic; Resource Recovery Facility; and the Proposed Raffles University Campus all requiring high speed broadband access, it is vital that this initiative is rolled out to the region as soon as possible.

"EMRC will continue its efforts in advocating on this issue for the benefit of industry and the community of Perth's Eastern Region" said Cr Pittaway.

For more information on EMRC's broadband advocacy, contact Georgia Armstrong, EMRC's Acting Manager Regional Development, on (08) 9424 2241 or email Georgia.Armstrong@emrc.org.au. Alternatively, a copy of the business case executive summary is available at www.emrc.org.au/high-speed-broadband.html

*EMRC works on behalf of six member Councils - Town of Bassendean, City of Bayswater, City of Belmont, Shire of Kalamunda, Shire of Mundaring and City of Swan.