Communications discussed at Hardys Bay
Communications was the topic at the Hardys Bay Residents Group meeting on Tuesday, May 29, at the Araluen Dr Community Church Hall.
National Broadband Network program ambassador Mr Dave Abrahams and Killcare Wagstaffe Rural Fire Brigade captain Mr Steve Farrell were guest speakers.
Mr Abrahams reported that the impact of the NBN fibre optic communications on the Central Coast community would be significant, as the area was a major commuting centre.
He said it would be up to 100 times faster than current ADSL speeds and would allow people to work efficiently from home and, in turn, contribute to a reduction in both rail and road traffic.
According to Mr Abrahams, the roll out would be three years away for Killcare and Hardy's Bay residents and each home would be connected from the street to the residence free of charge, should the householder wish to take it up.
The roll out would use both underground and above ground existing infrastructure to reach all households.
He said he was confident that the cost of these services would be competitive with current pricing and speeds.
He also outlined the many advantages offered in the scheme which would include medical, education, business and other specialty services.
Mr Farrell then spoke on Communication in the Community and emphasised the importance for a close liaison at all times with the local population and emergency services.
He said the communications commitment was of special significance in the cases of bushfire alerts and the extreme situation arising from the need to abandon the home.
He outlined a sequence of safety precautions to be adopted when the householder was confronted by a dangerous situation.
It was also decided at the meeting that Mr Farrell, Mr Abrahams and the Hardys Bay Residents group should meet to discuss the possibility of establishing a telephone tree in order to alert local residents of impending danger.
Media Release, 5 Jun 2012
Allan Wilson, Hardys Bay Residents Group
Photo: Allan Wilson