Malcolm Turnbull MP, Minister for Communications and Federal Member for Wentworth will be in Cairns on Thursday 3 September to deliver an exclusive business briefing that will provide a status update on the rollout of Australia’s Broadband Network (NBN) in the Cairns and the greater region.
As part of a national upgrade to Australia’s fixed line infrastructure, the NBN is progressively replacing most existing landline phone and internet services across the nation. Homes and businesses in parts of Cairns are set to complete the transition to NBN, with the existing copper network in some areas due to be disconnected this month.
Advance Cairns, Cairns Chamber of Commerce and Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch are jointly hosting a luncheon with Minster Turnbull where he will outline the benefits and challenges of the NBN roll out and discuss the future of the digital economy.
Mark Matthews, Chief Executive of Advance Cairns believes this represents a great opportunity for local businesses: ‘Those who attend the luncheon will gain first hand insight onto the current status of the NBN roll out in our region and will be provided with the opportunity to share their experiences with the roll out to date. It is a great opportunity to receive information but also to provide important information that can be fed back into the program.’
Cairns Chamber of Commerce CEO, Deb Hancock is pleased to be able to offer local business owners the opportunity for this direct, two-way communication with the Minister. ‘Access to fast, stable internet is now a fundamental requirement for most businesses. Access to the national and global marketplace requires great connectivity and for too long our region has not been able to compete. NBN is bringing us the same access as business and industry elsewhere in Australia and we encourage all businesses to remain informed and up to date with the details of the roll out in relation to their own operations.’
Mr Entsch said he was pleased to be able to bring Minister Turnbull to Cairns to highlight the potential of the NBN for local businesses and address any concerns resulting from the rollout. ‘Superfast broadband is on its way, we are working to make sure that households and businesses are fully aware of what is required of them during the changeover in order to maximise the benefits for our region.’
The luncheon is being held on Thursday 3 September and limited seats are available through the Cairns Chamber of Commerce.
Following the briefing, guests will then have opportunity of a Q&A session with Minister.
