The Hon David Bartlett MP
Premier of Tasmania

Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate

Construction of key NBN link in Tasmania

The Australian and Tasmanian Governments today announced the official commencement of work on the Cambridge to Midway Point section of the National Broadband Network in Tasmania.

The project brings together local contractor Nu Energy, national contractor John Holland and international technology provider Marais Lucas.

Premier Bartlett said by 2014 Tasmania will be the most connected place on the planet as a result of a partnership between the State and Federal Governments to roll out optic fibre to 200,000 Tasmanian premises.

"My message to Tasmanian families is that this roll out will ensure your kids and my kids will be able to get the jobs right here in Tasmania that they used to go interstate to get."

"That's what optic fibre represents through the creation of new industries and clever jobs."

"We have a choice to continue to export our best and brightest or do the hard yards through projects like this to create the jobs that will see our children stay here and return here."

Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy said the beginning of construction from Cambridge to Midway Point marked another important milestone in the National Broadband Network rollout.

"The National Broadband Network will be the largest ever nation-building infrastructure project in Australia's history."

"These exciting first stages in Tasmania are an important marker as we rollout the enabling platform for Australia's future digital economy."

The project involves the construction of a 7 kilometre fibre optic transmission link between Aurora Energy's Cambridge Data Centre and Midway Point.

The project team will utilise 'Cleanfast' construction technology to minimise environmental and community impacts.

"Once again Tasmania is leading the way - this technology is the first of its kind to be used in Australia," Mr Bartlett said.

Senator Conroy confirmed the first high-speed broadband services over the National Broadband Network in Tasmania are expected to be available by July next year.

Meanwhile the Tasmanian Government is now turning its focus to broadband applications.

"At the Launceston General Hospital a pilot project is already trialling the transmission of vital clinical information between the hospital, a patient's GP and their community pharmacist, to improve care for a recovering patient once they've left hospital," Mr Bartlett said.

"Ultimately we could also see an 80 year-old grandmother having her health monitored in her own home via her TV screen rather than through endless trips to hospital, helping her to enjoy a better quality of life."

"Her grandson might be a gifted student who will be able to do extension work through an e-learning unit that connects him with students in France or Canada."

"His mum might be an engineer, remotely monitoring the movements at a mine on the West Coast through her laptop – all from her Midway Point home."

"This is the future I see for Tasmania and all Tasmanians," Mr Bartlett said.

Date: 24 September 2009
Contact: Vanessa Fabris (Premier Bartlett's Office) 0419 006 572
Tim Marshall (Senator Conroy's Office) 0408 258 457