Federal Minister for Communications, Senator the Hon Mitch Fifield, today provided locals from Mount Gravatt, Carindale, Wynnum and surrounding areas with an update on the NBN rollout across Australia.

Residents had the opportunity to ask nbn-related questions to the Minister, as well as representatives from nbn co and Telstra, at a community information session hosted by Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta.

“The nbn rollout is now one-third complete in Bonner, and I’m pleased to say a third of premises with access have taken up an nbn service,” Mr Vasta said.

Minister Fifield said the nbn was now available to over half of all Australian premises, with 75 per cent expected to have access by June 2018 and all premises to have access by mid-2020.

“The nbn is one of the biggest infrastructure projects ever carried out in Australia. With such a massive undertaking there’ll inevitably be a small percentage of people with issues. This is not to diminish their experiences and nbn co is working hard to improve the consumer experience as the rollout is completed,” Minister Fifield said.

“When the nbn falls short of people’s expectations, often it’s an issue of retailers not purchasing enough capacity to service their customers. The Government is ensuring accountability and has funded the ACCC’s Broadband Performance Monitoring and Reporting program.”

“Under this program, the ACCC is implementing real-time speed testing at 4000 volunteer sites across the country. This will provide invaluable information on broadband speeds to consumers and motivate retailers to provide the best speeds possible.”

Minister Fifield said the ACCC had published guidelines for retailers on how they should advertise their NBN service speeds. The guidelines advise retailers to clearly advertise the minimum speeds consumers can expect to achieve during peak evening periods, rather than the maximum speeds that may be delivered during off-peak periods.

“The ACCC has made it clear that if retailers fail to meet these guidelines, more formal action will be taken,” Minister Fifield said.

Mr Vasta encouraged people to sign up for broadband performance consumer updates on the ACCC website. 

He asked those with further issues or questions on the NBN rollout to contact his office or visit the nbn co website.

Local seniors had the opportunity to learn more about the National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout in and around Carindale and Carina, thanks to an NBN information session today hosted by Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta.

NBN Co representatives, Damon Cavalchini and Johanna de Winter, joined Mr Vasta to help answer questions and provide solutions to attendees’ various connection issues.

“I’m pleased to report that over 20 per cent of the NBN rollout is complete in Bonner, with all premises to have access to NBN services by 2020,” Mr Vasta said.

“Over time the NBN will replace most of the existing networks as the deliverer of a new service network. The network is designed to grow, so at the end of 2020, there will be further plans for path upgrades and speed building to ensure the best service is continually on offer for all users.”

Mr Cavalchini said every household that wanted to keep their landline and internet would be required to switch over to the NBN.

“Every premise in Australia will be connected to the NBN free-of-charge. You will then have 18 months from the installation date to switch over. This will give you plenty of time to shop around and look into the options and packages available to you. You will also be reminded plenty of times during this 18 month period to switch over. NBN sends out all forms of communications to each and every household as a matter of priority as the 18 month deadline draws to a close,” Mr Cavalchini said.

“When contacting a service provider about switching over, ask them: what plan do they suggest, whether there will be any additional installation fees, and if you can keep your current home phone number—in most cases you’ll be able to. Have a good think about what plan will suit you best, you’ll have plenty of time to decide.”

Mr Cavalchini warned that some companies were attempting to take advantage of the rollout.

“If you are contacted by anyone claiming to be from NBN Co and saying you must sign up now to keep your landline or internet, this is false. To switch over, you must go through your service provider, not NBN Co, and you will always have 18 months to do so,” Mr Cavalchini said.

Mr Vasta asked attendees to report any suspicious phone calls or doorknockers to his office.

Mr Cavalchini said people should also consider any medical devices they had currently connected to their home phone lines, and whether they would be compatible with the NBN.

“If you depend on medical alarms, auto diallers, or emergency call buttons, we recommend that you speak to your medical alarm provider before switching over to the NBN, to ensure your medical device will keep working,” Mr Cavalchini said.

“For additional support, you can also register your medical alarm with the NBN online at www.nbn.com.au/medicalregister or by calling 1800 227 300.”

In response to questions about whether extra boxes would be required inside the home to be connected to the NBN, Mr Cavalchini said there are a number of different solutions depending on the location of a person’s property and the service NBN Co is able to provide.

“You may have FTTP (Fibre to the Premise), FTTN (Fibre to the Node), or HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial), which will determine whether you have additional devices to be installed at your premise or not. Discuss with your service provider about what will be required to be installed in your home,” Mr Cavalchini said.

Mr Vasta asked those with further issues or questions to contact his office or visit the NBN Co website at www.nbnco.com.au.

Government and Independent schools in Bonner are each set to receive a boost in funding by 2021 under the Turnbull Government’s student-centred Gonski funding plan that recently passed Parliament.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, said the new funding was part of a $7.78 billion funding boost for Bonner government and Independent schools over the next decade, which will see a $234 average increase next year for every student and around $361 on average extra for each student each year by 2021.

Catholic schools in Queensland will get an additional $2.84b under the plan over the next decade that their education authorities will distribute to their schools.

“We’re delivering a school system that’s entirely focused on students and what they need to be their best,” Mr Vasta said.

“We’re delivering a new funding system that ensures every student gets the resources they need, no matter their background or where they live. We’re tying that extra funding to the activities that are proven to improve the quality of our schools. That means more resources for one-on-one time with teachers and new or existing initiatives such as specialist teachers or targeted intervention programs.”

“We’ve appointed an independent National School Resourcing Board to ensure the funding model is focussed on supporting students and holding governments to account for the money they receive and spend.”

“Our additional funding will start to flow next year, giving schools and communities the certainty they need to plan and ensure that every student gets the support they need to succeed.”

“Schools and students that need the most additional resources will get the biggest funding increases in the fastest time period so that everyone will get their fair share of funding from the Commonwealth.”

“Along with support from Gonski Review panellists Ken Boston, Kathryn Greiner and David Gonski himself, the Government’s plan has been backed by independent think tanks including The Grattan Institute and The Mitchell Institute, as well as schools, families and educators such as former head of the Australian Education Union Dianne Foggo.”

“Our focus now is building on our teaching quality reforms through the work of a panel of education experts focused entirely on how schools should be using the extra funding we’re delivering.”

Further details on the Turnbull Government’s Quality Schools reform package are available at www.education.gov.au/qualityschools

A major upgrade to tackle traffic congestion along Green Camp Road at Wakerley is one step closer, with Council today releasing designs for the $28 million project.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the project would see Green Camp Road widened to at least four lanes to take real action on traffic congestion, getting residents home quicker and safer.

“The capacity of Green Camp Road, between Rickertt Road and Manly Road, will be boosted with extra lanes, as well as major intersection upgrades for Tilley Road and Rickertt Road,” Cr Quirk said.

“This project is part of Council’s plan to keep Brisbane heading in the right direction, by delivering the infrastructure needed to meet the needs of future generations.”

Federal Member for Bonner Ross Vasta said the Rickertt Road and Tilley Road intersections were currently operating well above capacity and failing to meet current traffic demands.

“With Green Camp Road already carrying 30,000 vehicles each day, this part of the road network will grind to a halt without this vital project,” Mr Vasta said.

“Thanks to the Federal Government’s investment, the scope of this project has been increased to also include capacity and safety upgrades at the Rickertt Road intersection.”

Deputy Mayor and Chandler Ward Councillor Adrian Schrinner said the Green Camp Road corridor upgrade would deliver valuable travel time savings and safety improvements.

“The upgrade will reduce motorists’ commute by up to 50 per cent in the mornings, and 35 per cent in the afternoons, by widening Green Camp Road to four lanes with an additional northbound lane at the Tilley Road intersection,” Cr Schrinner said.

Councillor for Doboy Ward Ryan Murphy said the Green Camp Road corridor upgrade would reduce traffic congestion not only on Green Camp Road, but on arterial roads across the eastern road network.

“Traffic modelling has shown that upgrades of these intersections will reduce long queues on both Rickertt Road and Tilley Road, particularly during the busy morning peak,” Cr Murphy said.

Construction on the Green Camp Road Corridor upgrade is expected to commence in mid-2018 and be complete in late-2019.

The Green Camp Road corridor upgrade is jointly funded by Brisbane City Council and the Australian Government. The Australian Government is contributing $10 million through the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development.

For more information on the Green Camp Road corridor upgrade visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call Council on (07) 3403 8888.

Green Camp Road Project Details:

• Two through-lanes in each direction on Green Camp Road from Manly Road to approximately 180 metres past the Rickertt Road intersection.

• Three through-lanes on the Green Camp Road northbound carriageway at the Tilley Road intersection.

• Signalisation at the Green Camp Road and Tilley Road intersection.

• Tilley Road intersection approach widened with one left-turn lane and one right-turn lane.

• Two through-lanes on Rickertt Road in each direction over a distance of 200 metres from the Green Camp Road intersection.

• Rickertt Road intersection approach widened with a separate left-turn lane and two right-turn lanes.

• New on-road cycling lanes and off-road shared pathway.

• Raising Green Camp Road and upgrading culverts to improve drainage and flood immunity.

I would love your help to deliver more vital upgrades for our area and would appreciate if you could fill out my local infrastructure survey 

Bonner Community Groups can now apply for a share of $45.25 million in Australian Government funding for projects to help build inclusive and resilient communities.

The Minister for Social Services, the Hon Christian Porter opened the Strong and Resilient Communities (SARC) grants round on 13 July. He said the grants will help local organisations overcome disadvantage and build strong, safe, socially cohesive communities.

Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta encouraged local organisations to apply for funding which will enable community groups to build people’s skills and capacity to actively engage in their community and improve their chances of getting a job.

Mr Vasta said “the Government’s investment in these grants recognises the important role local community groups play in bringing people together and enacting positive change within a community.”

Funded projects may include cultural, educational or sporting activities that bring people of different cultures or faiths together; the development of online platforms for marginalised youth, and training and volunteering opportunities for humanitarian entrants or newly arrived migrants.

Mr Vasta said the Government is also providing an additional $19.95 million to fund Volunteer Management Activity until 2021. This funding will support volunteer organisations to encourage and increase volunteering in communities across Australia.

“Well integrated and cohesive communities are underpinned by high-levels of volunteering and community participation.”

“Through these grants, community organisations can benefit from $60,000 to nearly $500,000 in funding for each project they deliver up to 2021,” Mr Vasta said.

Local organisations can apply for SARC grants under two funding pools – Inclusive Communities Grants and Community Resilience Grants.

Applications for the grants are now open until 23 August 2017. For more information or to apply for an SARC grant, go to the GrantConnect website at www.grants.gov.au.

Grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 are available to help fund small capital projects in the Bonner community, thanks to the Turnbull Coalition Government’s extension of its Stronger Communities Programme, Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta said today.

“My office is now accepting expressions of interest from local schools and not-for-profit organisations and groups for funding through Round 3 of Stronger Communities,” Mr Vasta said.

“Grant amounts will cover up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs. You can fund your share of eligible project costs from any source including state and local government. Your contribution can be either cash or in-kind.”

Previous recipients of Stronger Communities funding in Bonner include:

Round 1

Local seniors had the opportunity to learn more about the National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout in and around the Mt Gravatt area, thanks to an NBN information session today hosted by Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta.

NBN Co representatives, Kylie Lindsay and Johanna de Winter, joined Mr Vasta to help answer questions and provide solutions to attendees’ various connection issues.

“I’m pleased to report that 21 per cent of the NBN rollout is complete in Bonner, with all premises to have access to NBN services by 2020,” Mr Vasta said.

“Over time the NBN will replace most of the existing networks as the deliverer of a new service network. At the end of 2020, there will be further plans for path upgrades and speed building to ensure the best service is continually on offer for all users.”

“Right now, 7,500 premises in Mt Gravatt, Mt Gravatt East, Upper Mt Gravatt, Mansfield, and Holland Park West are ready to order NBN service, with 12,900 more premises expected to be ready for service by the end of the year.”

Mrs Lindsay said every household that wanted to keep their landline and internet would be required to switch over to the NBN.

“Every premise in Australia will be connected to the NBN free-of-charge. You will then have 18 months from the installation date to switch over. This will give you plenty of time to shop around and look into the options and packages available to you,” Mrs Lindsay said.

“When contacting a service provider about switching over, ask them: what plan do they suggest, whether there will be any additional installation fees, and if you can keep your current home phone number—in most cases you’ll be able to. Have a good think about what plan will suit you best, you’ll have plenty of time to decide.”

Mrs Lindsay warned that some companies were attempting to take advantage of the rollout.

“If someone shows up on your door claiming to be from NBN Co and saying you must sign up now to keep your landline or internet, this is false. To switch over, you must go through your service provider, not NBN Co, and you will have 18 months to do so,” Mrs Lindsay said.

Mr Vasta asked attendees to report any suspicious doorknockers to his office.

Mrs de Winter said people should also consider any medical devices they had currently connected to their home phone lines, and whether they would be compatible with the NBN.

“If you depend on medical alarms, auto diallers, or emergency call buttons, we recommend that you speak to your medical alarm provider before switching over to the NBN and ensure your medical device will keep working,” Mrs de Winter said.

“For additional support, you can also register your medical alarm with the NBN online at www.nbn.com.au/medicalregister or by calling 1800 227 300.”

In response to questions about whether extra boxes would be required inside the home to be connected to the NBN, Mrs Lindsay said there are a number of different solutions depending on the location of a person’s property and the service NBN Co is able to provide.

“You may have FTTP (Fibre to the Premise), FTTN (Fibre to the Node), or HFC (Hybrid Fibre Coaxial), which will determine whether you have additional devices to be installed at your premise or not. Discuss with your service provider about what will be required to be installed in your home,” Mrs Lindsay said.

Mrs Lindsay said NBN Co understood many people were frustrated about being told one thing by NBN and another by their service providers in regards to solving their connection issues. She said there is currently an ACCC investigation ongoing and that NBN Co is confident there will be positive outcomes for all consumers following the investigation.

Mr Vasta asked those with further issues or questions to contact his office or visit the NBN Co website at www.nbnco.com.au.

Federal Member for Bonner, Ross Vasta, today encouraged local community and ex-service organisations to apply for grants for projects that deliver sustainable services for younger veterans.

Mr Vasta said the Supporting Younger Veterans (SYV) grants program recognises the importance of the transition phase for Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel as they leave the military.

“$1 million is available in this second round for projects that build community support and service the unique needs of younger veterans transitioning to civilian life,” Mr Vasta said.

He invited applications for a range of initiatives including mentoring, team building, self-improvement, and creative activities that promote social inclusion and peer-to-peer support for younger veterans. 

“There was a great response to the first round of SYV grants and 11 projects were funded. These ranged from art, writing and higher education programs to research and support for emergency accommodation,” Mr Vasta said.

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs Dan Tehan said the SYV grants program will provide $4.25 million over five years and delivers another election commitment to support the needs of younger veterans as they leave the ADF. 

“We understand that younger servicemen and women face unique transition challenges as they leave the ADF and integrate back into civilian life. These grants will assist in raising awareness of the important issues facing younger veterans,” Mr Tehan said.

Applications for this round of SYV grants will close on 1 September 2017, with successful applicants announced later in the year.

More information about the SYV grants program, including how to submit an application, can be found online at www.dva.gov.au/consultation-and-grants/grants or by contacting the Department of Veterans’ Affairs on 133 254.