NBN - Are you ready?

This section provides information for Local Government on the Mid North Coast about the requirements and resources required by NBN Co. in completing a smooth, fast and efficient rollout of the NBN.

NBN Co. Council checklist

The National Broadband Network (NBN) is a key priority for the Commonwealth Government. NBN Co Limited (NBN Co), the company set up to build and operate the wholesale network, is planning to facilitate the rollout of the network through positive engagement with local communities.

To assist in creating a platform for the delivery of high speed broadband to families and businesses, particularly where fibre deployments are planned in rural and regional Australia, NBN Co is seeking assistance from local governments to expedite the rollout whilst protecting amenities.

The following checklist provides a guide for local councils as to the information NBN Co and its contractors / agents may need to assist in the NBN planning process.

Zoning maps and planning controls
Identification and location of heritage conservation areas and / or heritage items (both indigenous and non-indigenous)
Location of environmentally significant areas e.g. conservation / protected areas, national parks / nature reserves, wetlands, bushland, significant street trees
Any specific local planning controls, policies or codes that may apply specifically to telecommunication facilities
Confirmation of any local exemptions, restrictions or prohibitions for telecommunication facilities
Development application requirements (if necessary), including likely timeframes, processes etc.
Location of Commonwealth land and education, health or government facilities
Location of major development proposals and areas (e.g. greenfield sites), major infrastructure locations or areas that require major upgrades to infrastructure

NBN Co. Council collaboration

NBN Co will be working very closely with local government in the communication effort in connection with the NBN.

NBN Co. see local government as playing a unique and critical role in both informing NBN Co about potential local issues and requirements and assisting in the
development and dissemination of community education and publicity.

Below is a Checklist created by NBN Co. with regards

COUNCIL STAKEHOLDER GROUP	ACTIVITY	COMMENTS
Mayor and CEO	Media opportunities and communication of NBN related information, including direct communications	• Assist in identifying stakeholders, associations, community and business groups, champions etc. • Provide advice on legacy issues • Assist in identifying local opportunities for communication channels (events / festivals markets) • Assistance with opt-in consent program (where implemented) • Briefs to council
Corporate services	Planning, data, infrastructure development	• Planning • Development approvals • Heritage, environmental, native vegetation • Statutory and structure planning • Greenfield developments • Infrastructure projects • Council civil works • Forward scheduling of works • Road closures and traffic management • Notifications • GIS Officer • Access to council GIS data and overlays • Economic development • Local opportunities (events / festivals markets) • Speaking and promotional opportunities • Opt-in consent program (where implemented) • Databases • Rates database (property owners) • Stakeholders and business groups contacts • Health, education and emergency services contacts
Media and communications	Media and marketing opportunities	• Media releases • Photo opportunities • Information flow (internal council and community) • Media channels • Legacy issues (previous infrastructure projects) • Local media opportunities (events / festivals markets) • Opt–in consent program (where implemented) • Translation and storyboarding assistance
Library	Collateral and venue hire	• Storyboards and static displays • Community information sessions / briefings
Community health (aged care)	As above	• Translation and storyboarding assistance • Effective engagement strategies • Storyboards and displays • Community information sessions

taken from "National Broadband Network Information Pack Published by NBN Co. 15 April 2011. For the up to date version please see NBN Co's Website

Council Discussions

As part the RDA network a paper has been produced by RDA Hunter and RDA Central Coast identifying some the requirements, resources and challenges local government will face when having the NBN rolled out within their footprint. With the support of this document, the RDA Mid North Coast will provide a forum for face to face discussion with Councils within the following areas.

General Overview	Benefits	Network rollout
NBN Overview Why Fibre Why FTTH	Improved telecommunications Business and Community Benefits LGA benefits Employment opportunities	Cable vs Wireless and Satellite Aerial vs underground Legislative impacts Community disruption Indicative timelines

The RDA is also committed to assisting local government receive the required information in the following areas with regards to the NBN rollout.

Identification of Key Staff
Briefings to Key Staff
Understanding of impact of proposed changes to Telecommunications Act
Review of aerial reticulation standards
Review and preliminary analysis of Geospatial Information Systems (GIS)
Review of planning processes with a view to streamlining processes for the NBN rollout.
Preliminary analysis of council owned access pathways Identification of works that may be impacted or could leverage this opportunity.