Forbes Shire residents are being asked to take part in an online survey about their internet services to help a regional bid to lobby for better broadband.
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The survey is being conducted by the Centroc group of councils, who hope to gather information to help lobby for a faster roll-out of the National Broadband Network (NBN) in the Central West.
While the details of the broadband network will depend on the results at the upcoming federal election, NBN Co has recently released a three year roll-out plan, which includes starting construction in more than 1500 communities and 3.5 million premises up to June 30, 2015.
However, none of Centroc’s 17 member councils have been announced as recipients of the optic fibre cable network.
Forbes Mayor Ron Penny said Centroc councils hoped to reach as many people as possible through the 12 question survey.
“The results will support a strong advocacy position for Centroc with a successful outcome benefitting our community. It is therefore important that we reach as many people as possible with this survey,” Cr Penny said.
Cr Penny says the announcement of the federal election means it is timely for Centroc communities to push for better broadband.
“We are working with the NSW Business Chamber in this region and asking people to fill in a short survey about their needs for internet, what it is costing and any problems people are having,” he said.
“If the [Liberal / Nationals] coalition is elected they will have a priority program for regions in need. Central NSW has not had any announcements under the current NBN rollout so we are definitely in the “in need” category,” said Cr Penny.
“Alternatively, If the ALP is re-elected we want to see some commitments for this region in the near future, because currently this region is at a great disadvantage to the rest of Australia, with no relief in sight.”
Centroc says the region deserves a broadband service to match that available in metropolitan areas.
“Telecommunications is a priority of the Centroc board of mayors, councillors and general managers. The board views with dismay that none of our council areas have been identified for the NBN for the foreseeable future,” the introduction to the online survey states.
“At the recent Centroc board meeting members raised concerns about local exchanges reaching capacity and people in communities in Central NSW reporting a worsening situation regarding their broadband access.”
Forbes Shire Council librarian Bronwyn Clark said the library was a popular destination for residents who were frustrated with their home connection.
The library provides a free WiFi service, but also has seven computers available to visitors, including two dedicated Broadband for Seniors terminals.
“People do come to the library to use [broadband],” Ms Clark said.
“People come to the library if their service at home has shutdown or is a bit slow, but they also come in if they want to download large amounts of material, like a talking book,” she said.
The Centroc broadband survey can be filled in at Survey Monkey.
People who are willing to give their name and address can win a prize.