23 July 2013

Strathfield Council has today received the news that as well as being amongst the first areas in the country to switch-on to the National Broadband Network, a $373,000 grant will be supplied to allow Council to connect and upgrade its technologies.

High speed fibre optic services were officially switched on for more than 2600 homes and businesses in the Strathfield and Homebush areas by Deputy Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today. Another 2300 premises will come online in the coming weeks.

Strathfield joins Blacktown, Armidale, Coffs Harbour and Kiama as some of the first places to receive the NBN services in NSW.

In addition, as part of the Digital Local Government program, Strathfield Council has been announced as the recipient of $373,643 in funding to introduce video teleconferencing technology into Council’s community interfaces within the next 24 months.

Deputy Mayor of Strathfield Cr Andrew Soulos welcomed the news of the funding and the possibilities it offers to Strathfield.

“This grant funding will transform the ways residents of Strathfield connect with Strathfield Council and reducing the need for people to come into Council to make enquiries is a step forward for our Council and our residents,” Cr Soulos said.

Cr Raj Datta at today’s NBN announcement added his enthusiasm for the project.

“Council’s long-term Community Strategic Plan lists ‘connectivity’ as a key priority to improve and enhance digital connections for the local community.

“This funding will go a long way to meeting that priority and to connect easily with our 35,000 residents and wider community who come to Strathfield for business, leisure or education.

“Our proposal to introduce video technology to connect our community to Council staff, to allow for the efficient response to customer service enquiries, for processing of submissions and requests and to help engage the residents with their Council and its services allows Council to take a huge step forward in servicing our community. “

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Anthony Albanese echoed the comments in a joint media statement.

“This is a great day for Strathfield. The NBN’s faster, more reliable and affordable broadband means reduced costs for businesses and families, and the opportunity to improve productivity and create jobs,” Mr Albanese said.