By MATT NICHOLLS
ARMIDALE is poised to become a digital centre in regional NSW on the back of the National Broadband Network.
That’s the opinion of retired New England MP Tony Windsor, who said Armidale grabbed its opportunity with both hands while he was a part of the last government.
“I think Armidale saw opportunity in the hung parliament that other major centres in the electorate stumbled with … and I would include Tamworth,” he said.
“Armidale had been on the front foot about NBN before the hung parliament, but they certainly took their opportunities.”
Mr Windsor is in Armidale tomorrow night to talk with members of the Armidale Business Chamber at its monthly “pub chat”.
The former MP said the Armidale Dumaresq Council, in particular former GM Shane Burns, should be given credit for bringing the NBN to the city.
“Armidale now has a piece of technology that other towns and cities in regional Australia won’t get their hands on for many years,” Mr Windsor said.
“I think the council, through Shane Burns, (former mayors) Jim Maher and Peter Ducat need a pat on the back for that.
“Even Jim Barber at the university did a lot.”
Mr Windsor said the work of former Telstra employee Alun Davies was also critical in delivering the fibre technology to Armidale.
“I remember sitting down with Alun and talking to (former Communications Minister) Warren Conroy back in 2009 about the NBN,” he said.
“Importantly, the community seemed to embrace the opportunities.
“The council, the university, the businesses and residents all wanted to get their hands on it.
“The spin-off effects for Armidale are going to be huge, I think.”
