NBN rebuilt in bushfire-torn Mallacoota

The NBN fixed line network in Mallacoota has now been rebuilt after sustaining severe damage during the bushfires of last summer.

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said that NBN Co had been working hard to get the network back up and running.

“Following the massive rebuild, approximately 1,000 premises in Mallacoota are now ready to connect to the National Broadband Network” Minister Fletcher said.

“The bushfires last year melted the backhaul cable which completely cut off connectivity to the community.

“Following the fires, new fibre optic cable has been constructed underground, providing greater resilience than deploying via aerial cable.”

NBN Co worked to rebuild the 60 kilometre transit link over the past 12 months to reconnect the Mallacoota community to fast broadband.

Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester said the reconnection of the NBN could not come soon enough for Mallacoota residents.

“Resilient communications helps to save lives in an emergency,” Mr Chester said.

“Having access to reliable fast internet is becoming a basic requirement of our everyday lives and this rebuild will allow small businesses, students and those working from home to get connected again. 

“The Mallacoota community has been through a lot over the last year, and this is a positive step in the recovery process and means residents and tourists can once again enjoy fast internet.”

The Government has also invested $37.1 million to improve the resilience of communication networks across the country as part of the Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters package.

As part of the package, NBN Co has installed eight disaster satellite services across East Gippsland to help maintain connectivity before, during and after natural disasters, including at Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance, Orbost, Cann River, Omeo, Paynesville, Mallacoota and Buchan.

For more information on the NBN, including on how to connect, go to www.nbnco.com.au