Bass Coast Shire Council welcomes the deal between the State Government and NBN Co that will improve internet connections for businesses.
The first project under the new agreement will see 11 new Business Fibre Zones (BFZ) created in Victoria, including in Wonthaggi, which will also cover the towns of Inverloch and Cape Paterson, as well as San Remo, Grantville, Corinella and Coronet Bay. A Business Fibre Zone for Cowes was announced earlier this month.
These zones are designed to reduce the significant gap between the cost of business broadband services in regional and rural towns, compared to metro areas.
Businesses covered by the BFZ will be able to connect to the service from September 1, through their existing service provider.
Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari said that improving internet speeds and connectivity in Bass Coast is one of Council's advocacy priorities.
"We have heard reports from local businesses, about how slow internet speed has impacted their sales and growth, particularly in the current pandemic conditions," Cr Tessari said.
"Existing services in tourism towns such as Inverloch struggle to cope with the demand during peak seasons, however cost has stopped some businesses taking up an NBN fibre connection, as they were required to pay for the building of the fibre, as well as the contract.
"Through this program, businesses won't need to pay any upfront costs."
Cr Tessari said that it is important for regional areas to have access to services on par with Melbourne.
"Good digital connectivity is fundamental to attracting investment and tourism to the region and improving liveability for our community," Cr Tessari said.
"We are expecting more and more people to make the move from the city to regional areas, like Bass Coast. Having high-quality digital infrastructure will enable us to make the most of the opportunities this population shift could bring."
Wonthaggi's inclusion in this program aligns very closely with Council's visitor and industry advocacy campaign 'Wonthaggi. Opportunity Unlocked'.
"Wonthaggi. Opportunity Unlocked aims to drive local investment and greater visitation by creating greater awareness of the towns rich past and its emergence as Southern Gippsland's regional centre of activity," Cr Tessari said.
"Continued investment from all levels of Government, will see Wonthaggi continue to prosper and attract new investment to benefit our community," Cr Tessari concluded.
