High-speed broadband better for business on the Fraser Coast

HERVEY BAY: A fibre optic link built into new high voltage power lines on the Fraser Coast will boost broadband connections for the region, Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

An agreement was be signed today by Ergon Energy, the Fraser Coast Regional Council and the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) paving the way for data transfer rates from ten to 1,000 times the speed of ADSL.

“It opens a window to the world of high-speed telecommunications right here on the Fraser Coast.

“It’ll be great for business, university students and the community,” Mr Wilson said.

Minister Wilson is in Maryborough and Hervey Bay this weekend with the Premier, her Cabinet and the state's senior public servants for the Bligh Government's seventh Community Cabinet.

"It’s part of our commitment to listen to Queenslanders’ concerns on their own home turf. It is part of taking on board their views as the Premier and Government plan for the future,” he said.

Mr Wilson said the new high voltage power lines between Maryborough and Hervey Bay would give businesses access to better high speed broadband.

“The Bligh Government is planning for the future with practical solutions,” he said.

“It makes a lot of sense to use Ergon’s infrastructure. This is about saving taxpayers’ money.

“Households will also benefit from the new lines with a better, more reliable electricity network,” he said.

Ergon Energy is providing the high-speed broadband benefits in a wholesale arrangement with council’s telecommunications company, Widelinx.

Fraser Coast Regional Council Mayor Rick Kruger said the fibre optic link between Hervey Bay and Maryborough would save time, money and avoid duplication.

“For the past year Widelinx has been operating the link by microwave, with a new fibre optic link providing a much more reliable and faster alternative,” Cr Kruger said.

“The link will help the Council’s Maryborough and Hervey Bay offices stay in touch, which is paramount if we are to improve services and encourage the region to grow.”

The lack of broadband access stifling business and development in regional Australia was highlighted in the State of the Regions Report 2007-08, which showed the Fraser

Coast region lagged behind in access to broadband.

Widelinx chairperson and Fraser Coast Regional Councillor Belinda McNeven said the fibre optic link would provide a superior connection for existing customers.

“One of the most exciting benefits is for those businesses operating out of both Hervey Bay and Maryborough,” Cr McNeven said.

“The fibre link will allow them to connect their offices in both locations at extremely fast speeds and far more cost effectively than with other carriers.”

For USQ, the new service will complete the installation of a fibre optic link from Toowoomba to the University’s Fraser Coast campus.

USQ Fraser Coast Provost Professor Ken Stott said the service would allow students and staff to have high speed telecommunication access between the two centres and would help meet the needs for future enrolment growth.

“The line will provide for more efficient and effective delivery of the university's degree programs and in the delivery of web-based and online learning courses,” he said.

It is expected the fibre optic cable will be in place and ready for use by late December this year.

Media inquiries: Minister’s office 3224 7332.