Telecommunications
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With the help of the NSW Department of State and Regional Development Centroc lodged both an Expression of Interest and a submission to the Federal Broadband Connect Program. The submission included an audit of the reigon showing $78m needed to be spent to deliver 100% broadband coverage to the region. This was for terrestrial and satellite components. Our concerns with telecommunications are bigger than just broadband. Mobile service coverage, the amount of skilled staff in the region, the regulatory environment and the Universal Service Obligation all affect telecommunications services to Central NSW. Summarising these concerns, Centroc recently tendered a submission to the NSW Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on Broadband in Rural and Regional Communities. For a copy of this submission please contact Jenny Bennett. Click this link - Telecommunications Project - for releases relating to broadband and other matters to do with telecommuncations. Centroc has audited the broadband needs for this region and has responded to all calls from both the State and Federal Government regarding our position on telephony. We seek to ensure that landline, mobile and data services are constantly improving and to ensure that the region is internationally competitive. Centroc's position on broadband is that: a. any upgrades be affordable and will scale into the future with the growth of broadband needs b. there be wholesale access to infrastructure c. there be price parity d. there be no overbuild e. the regulatory environment be amended to enable the above and f. that this region be considered early in the roll out as we are broadband ready and an area of need It should be noted that the policy of Centroc to date fits well with the new direction taken by the Federal Government. Centroc seeks support from the State and Federal Governments to take advantage of significant work undertaken in the region in auditing its broadband needs and capability and prioritise Central NSW for the National Broadband Network roll out. Centroc seeks to ensure that landline, mobile and data services are constantly improving and to assure that the region is internationally competitive. |
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Live Issues
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Centroc understands that a further $3.5m is to be spent on transport studies in Central NSW, for projects such as: a) Securing the corridor for the Bells Line of Expressway b) a blueprint for transport for the region that identifies the next layer of analysis for the development of transport infrastructure in the region akin to the work being done with water security. c) intermodal shift to freight rail in Central NSW
Centroc's Management plan objectives for this year are to:
Centroc seeks to have as much freight as possible in the region being handled by rail, therefore Centroc supports the retention of grain rail lines and the development of the north/south rail line. Centroc seeks to develop appropriate intermodal facilities in the region, particularly a facility in Parkes to provide a north south/east west intermodal facility of national significance. Centroc seeks to ensure that there are sufficient funds in local government budgets to assure the maintenance of roads in the region. The engineers of the region met in December 2010 to provide advice around the region’s priorities for transport infrastructure. This project is near completion. For more information on any live issues, please contact Centroc. |
Upcoming Training Events
| Thu Feb 23 Centroc Board Meeting |
Events Calendar
Did you know that atmospheric CO2 was 364 parts per million (ppm) during the Earth Summit in June 1992? In the past decade, atmospheric CO2 has been rising about 1.9 ppm per year. This is the fastest rate since scientists started using high-precision instruments to take CO2 measurements directly from the Earth's atmosphere.
To find out what Centroc is doing about Climate Change, click here.