September 2011 Tattler.pdf - Platypus Country

Government speaks
It can take a while but, generally, if you write to a politician,
they will reply. I wrote a couple of letters of community
interest and a few months later, received the following
information.
Deb
McKillops Bridge
I wrote to Terry Mulder, Victorian Minister for Roads, on
March 24th, about the condition of McKillops Bridge after the
Camp Draft organisers were unable to get their cattle over the
Snowy River. His reply was dated August 9th.
‘VicRoads manages the arterial road and bridge network in
accordance with its Road Management Plan. Regular
inspections are undertaken on McKillops Bridge to identify any
potential hazards to motorists and appropriate maintenance if
carried out to ensure the bridge is kept in a safe condition.
In 1997, VicRoads undertook significant works on the timber
decking of the bridge to extend the life of this unique bridge
which has a heritage listing.
VicRoads also replaced a number of planks in February and
March 2011 and whilst these works were carried out,
additional maintenance works were identified which will be
undertaken during the next three months.
It is regrettable that the Cabanandra Campdraft event was
cancelled. I understand that in 2011 cattle were unable to
safely ford the Snowy River as a result of high rainfall and river
flows. It is not my understanding that the cancellation of the
event could have been caused by the recent maintenance work
on the bridge.
The Government acknowledges the importance of this unique
event. I have asked VicRoads to work with Council to
investigate options which would support the conduct of the
event. If you require further information, Mr Harvey Dinelli,
VicRoads Manager Program Development (0351722627) would
be pleased to assist.’
Television services and broadband in Tubbut
I wrote to Stephen Conroy, Federal Minister for Broadband,
Communication and the Digital Economy in May and he
answered on August 18th. The full letter can be viewed at the
Neighbourhood House, but here are some excerpts.
Digital Television
mySwitch is a web-based tool which has been developed by
the Digital Switchover Taskforce to provide all the information
viewers will need to apply for VAST in their area. Viewers can
access mySwitch by going to www.digitalready.gov.au and
following the links. They can also ring 1800201013 any day
between 8 am and 10 pm.
Tubbut is located in the Remote Central and Eastern Australia
switchover area which will switch to digital-only broadcasts in
the second half of 2013. The actual date that the switchover
will occur will depend on factors including local conditions and
community feedback. As you would be aware, Tubbut is
located in an area where there is no expected reception of
terrestrially broadcast digital television signals.
Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST)
The government is investing $375.4 million over 12 years to
provide transmission of digital free-to-air television services
from this new satellite platform. The VAST service is provided
by Eastern Australia Satellite Broadcasters Pty Ltd which is a
joint venture company owned by Imparja Television and
Southern Cross Media.
Viewers in Tubbut who receive their digital television
through the VAST service will have access to the same
number of free-to-air television channels available in capital
cities for the first time. The VAST service also provides
viewers with access to the local regional news services
currently broadcast by the commercial broadcasters. Viewers
in Tubbut will be able to access the WIN Gippsland local
news service and the regional news services of Southern
Cross ands Prime as well as the local news bulletins of other
areas of regional Australia. ABC News is provided through
ABC1 on a state basis.
Applying for VAST
Viewers who are located in the Remote Central and Eastern
Australia licence area are eligible to access the VAST service
now. To confirm their eligibility to receive commercial
television services through VAST, viewers should go to
mySwitch and enter their address. If there is no terrestrial
coverage, viewers can then proceed through mySwitch to
apply for access to all services on VAST. Access to the VAST
service will be managed by the use of a smart card which will
be provided with the VAST set top box.
Viewers will need to purchase a VAST set-top box ($280) and
a satellite dish ($100) and pay installers. This is a one-off
expense—there is no subscription.
Viewers currently receiving services by Aurora can access the
VAST service now. Aurora will continue till 31 December
2013 at which time the digital switchover will be complete.
Aurora viewers should be able to connect the VAST set-top
box to the existing system and their smart card will give
them access to all the VAST services.
National Broadband Network
The government has established NBN Co to design, build and
operate a new high speed National Broadband Network
(NBN).
The NBN will provide access to high-speed broadband to
100% of Australian premises. The government’s objective is
to connect 93% of Australian buildings with fibre … providing
broadband speeds of up to 100 megabits per second. All
remaining premises will be served by a combination of nextgeneration
fixed wireless and satellite technologies providing
peak speeds of at least 12 megabits a second.
Indicative coverage maps at www.nbnco.com.au/ourservices/coverage-maps
suggest that Tubbut may be served
by next-generation satellite technology providing peak
speeds of at least 12 megabits per second.
In the meantime, some of the Tubbut area communities may
be eligible for NBN Co’s Interim Satellite Service (ISS). It will
offer up to 6 megabit/second download/1 megabit/second
upload which is a considerable improvement on typical
services in the market. The first priority will be given to those
without broadband access. Visit www.nbnco.com.au to view
eligibility criteria. The Department of Broadband,
Communications and Digital Economy can be contacted on
1800883488 on weekdays between 8.30 am and 5 pm to
check eligibility.
One thing is for sure —without internet access it is becoming
increasingly difficult to find out how to get it!