City places strong emphasis on disability access

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The community voted disability access as the number one priority in the City’s 10 Year Capital Works Plan and Council has responded with big plans to improve disability access throughout the City.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said disability access was of high significance for the City and something that featured strongly in the newly adopted budget.

“We are dedicated to making changes in our city that will promote access and inclusion,” he said.

“We listened to what the community wanted and we have allocated funds towards the design and implementation of access solutions.”

The City has consulted with sector representatives to improve existing areas in the CBD and foreshore and also in the planning phases of new developments including the Multi User Facility and event Space and Youth Precinct. The foreshore and CBD precinct will be given continued focus, with better path access to amenities on the foreshore.

“We have worked closely with the designers of the Multi User Facility and Event Space; and the Youth Precinct to ensure that disability access is paramount.

“The City will also be incorporating representatives from the sector on all major planned developments going forward,” Mayor Carpenter said.

“We want both of these facilities to promote inclusion of all people so everyone is able to enjoy a variety of different activities that may not been previously available to them.”

“Wheelchair access to the beach has been highlighted by the community as a real need. As a result this year the City will be refurbishing the existing ablution block behind the Visitor Centre to house a beach wheelchair and hoist and an adult change facility. The fully integrated design will have an uninterrupted access pathway that will enable wheelchair access onto the beach proper,” he added.

Mayor Carpenter also said the City wished to promote and implement best practice in the universal design of projects therefore, City staff involved in designing and delivering infrastructure projects will undertake suitable training.

City budget encourages recycling

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Recycling has been a hot topic in the community for some time and the City of Greater Geraldton is introducing new ways for the community to recycle their waste.

After the 2015/16 budget was released last night, changes will be made in the City’s waste management operations to promote an increase in Recycling.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, is encouraging people to gain a better understanding of how they can recycle their waste.

“Many residents think that because they don’t have traditional, 240Lt yellow top recycling bins that they can’t recycle, this isn’t the case at all,” he said.

“Even if we did have the bulk verge side collection, most of the waste ends up in landfill or transported to Perth.

“Additionally, the costs and carbon emissions in transporting it to Perth don’t stack up environmentally or financially.”

The City encourages residents to utilise other local places for recycling including Cogman Recycling and other not-for-profit organisations.

The newspaper recycling unit at Jack’s Shed, located at the Aquarena car park, reinjects money from its proceeds of sale straight back into the Aquarena.

A tender will be released in the near future for the design of a joint Animal Management Facility and CRRC Resource Recovery Centre which will be an integrated recycling facility for the Greater Geraldton community.

As part of the new budget, new fees have been introduced at Meru Waste Disposal Facility.

Residents using the facility will be charged $10 per trailer which can weigh up to 300kg of mixed and general household waste.

Residents who choose to sort their waste into three separate streams will enjoy a $5 discount.

These three streams include clean green waste, scrap metal and general waste.

These charges won’t be introduced until October 1 so the City is encouraging residents to utilise the free service before the charges are introduced.

There will also be two free dumping weeks every year.

Funds for waste management have also extended to Mullewa with the City looking to re-design the Mullewa Landfill facility and turn it into a fully compliant Waste Transfer Station.

In the 15/16 Budget, $100,000 has been allocated for the construction of such a facility to transport general waste back to Meru, the Midwest region’s only Class III facility.

The City has also announced that the annual bulk verge side collection has been discontinued in Geraldton.

“We are mindful that not everyone has the ability to get their rubbish to the waste facility and we have put a strategy in place to address that,” Mayor Carpenter said.

Whilst stopping the verge side collection, the City will be providing an alternate service for pensioners which will entail one free bulk bin dropped to their property. This will be subject to an application to the City and the service will commence in October.

Rising external costs impact City budget

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Despite being slammed with escalating utility costs and reductions in grant funding the City has managed to keep rate rises down to 3.9%.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said it was a priority of Council to keep rates rises at a minimum whilst stimulating the local economy.

“The State government is increasing the supply of water and power by 4.5%, street lighting is going up by 7.6% and the longer term costs of government borrowing is going up by $950,000,” he said.

The Emergency Services Levy which the City collects on behalf of the State Government is also increasing by 10.6%.

“Although the Emergency Services Levy is a State Government charge on property owners, which is collected via Council rates, some people think the ESL is a local government charge but it isn’t. Once collected, the City forwards the money to the State Government,” Mayor Carpenter said.

Council has also been subjected to a $3.7 million reduction in Federal and State Government grants which has impacted on the City’s ability to keep rates down whilst still being able to provide the range and level of services the community wants and needs.

“It’s been a tough year and a lot of tough decisions needed to be made regarding the services the City will continue to provide with a greatly reduced budget,” Mayor Carpenter said.

“Community members spent almost 6500 hours during two Community Panels and the Community Summit helping prioritise the range and level of services the City provides.

“Having a clear understanding what the community values most has been critical to setting priorities and adopting a budget that meets the need to keep rate rises down whilst still providing services the community wants and needs.”

Mullewa reaps rewards of 2015/16 budget

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Mullewa has been heavily featured in the newly adopted City of Greater Geraldton 2015/16 Budget which projects great positive outcomes for the town.

As a result of a record spend in Mullewa, infrastructure and employment opportunities are set to get a boost .

The Mullewa Youth Centre will be just one of the elements to have money injected into it from the Budget as well as the Town Park, road upgrades and the construction of a general waste transport facility.

A total of $150,000 will be spent on a full refurbishment of the Mullewa Youth Centre including new roofing, internal walls, new evaporative air conditioning and the replacement of floor coverings and windows.

Mullewa’s Town Park will also have an increased focus in helping to maintain and improve the local space which will become the premier precinct for the community.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said both the Youth Centre and Town Park were important parts of the community and ones that the City were dedicated to improving.

“We know how much of a positive impact the Mullewa Youth Centre has on the Youth in the community and that’s why we are dedicated to conserving and developing these important assets in Mullewa,” he said.

“It is a very important space for the local youth, and the community has said that the centre is a top priority for Mullewa.”

The Mullewa Youth Centre, which is owned and managed by the City of Greater Geraldton with funding support from the Department of Child Protection, is utilised by local children and youths from the ages of eight to 18.

The Centre provides a safe, enjoyable retreat for youth, and runs a range of activities aimed at building confidence and resilience and encouraging physical activity. Youth are also provided with information and support in the event of adversity, or referrals to organisations aiming to assist young people.

Roads in Mullewa will also be renewed with $3.7 million from State Government funding to repair and upgrade major damage caused by flooding in the past year.

With infrastructure renewal a top priority, a key feature of these works will be the provision of Aboriginal employment opportunities.

“With the proposed works that will be done in Mullewa we aim to implement an employment program which essentially will create great positive outcomes for the local community,” Mayor Carpenter said.

“Unemployment numbers have increased in Mullewa and these projects will open up plenty of opportunities for the local community to gain work.

“Not only are we able to improve the town but we will employ locals to help do so which is the best outcome for Mullewa.”

In a great environmental outcome for Mullewa, $100,000 will be spent on the construction of a waste transfer station which will transport general waste back to Geraldton’s Meru Waste Disposal Facility, the Midwest region’s only Class III facility.

City to spend record amount to stimulate local economy

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City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter, says there is no better time to inject a record amount of money into the local economy for capital works and renewals.

A record $68.5 million will be spent on various capital works in the next financial year as part of a significant capital works plan in the 2015/16 budget, $7 million more than last year’s budget.

Mayor Carpenter said with the downturn in the resources sector affecting employment, this was the right time for the City to spend money and boost the local economy.

“This Council cannot afford to sit on its hands during this period and our budget unashamedly looks to stimulate our local economy,” Mayor Carpenter said.

“With an increase in unemployment in the region, investing in capital works and asset renewal will reinvigorate the local economy and generate job opportunities.”

“We know local employment has taken a hit with the economic downturn but this record spend will provide some relief to the local construction industry,” Mayor Carpenter said.

“It is the responsibility of Local Government to help ease the cyclical patterns of the WA economy and the City’s investment in capital works and renewals will help to ease the fluctuations set by the resources industry in our region.”

The City has undertaken a comprehensive audit of local assets and City infrastructure which is currently valued at more than half a billion dollars.

“We are putting a big emphasis on asset renewal and we are addressing the backlog of decaying infrastructure in our community.

Of the $68.5 million, a total of $20.7 million will be spent on infrastructure renewal.

“The City is investing to ensure that local infrastructure is in great condition for our community to use and enjoy,” Mayor Carpenter said.

“The Council is committed to ensuring that it is the businesses and residents within our community that benefit from this record capital expenditure and is continuing to work with the Midwest Chamber of Commerce and Industry in reviewing our purchasing policies and practices to enhance the opportunities for local businesses.”

Budget highlights at a glance - Download PDF

Geraldton first in WA to develop rates concessions

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In response to the community’s outcry against large spikes in rates resulting from property revaluations the City has worked closely with the Department of Local Government to develop a concessions system which will help smooth the impact for Geraldton rate payers.

Mayor Ian Carpenter said the City of Greater Geraldton is leading the way in assisting ratepayers by developing and implementing a system that reduces the impact of rate spikes by spreading the effects of the valuation rise over three years.

“The City has worked very closely with the Department of Local Government to investigate what can be done to assist rate payers facing large spikes from property valuation and is the first Council in WA to develop and implement a concessions system to smooth the impact of these spikes on rate payers,” he said.

“Concessions only apply to residential properties in Geraldton who have had a valuation increase and pay rates over the minimum payment.”

A concession equivalent to two thirds of the rates increase directly attributable to the valuation increase will be applied in year one and in year two a concession equivalent to one third of the rates increase will be applied. By year three the new valuation will apply and no concession will be available.

Through the application of concessions, 2,463 property owners who would have rate increases over 10% will have their net increase reduced as a result. Approximately 64% of property owners will have a net rate increase of 5% or less as a result of the application of concessions.

Mayor Carpenter says that although 32% of property owners will have a reduction or no net increase in their rates in 2015/16, concessions will provide needed relief for rate payers experiencing spikes in their property valuations.

“Approximately 32% or property owners will experience a reduction or no net increase in rates this coming year. However, it’s important to provide these concessions to those whose property valuations have increased.

“These concessions will significantly reduce the number of properties that were likely to have considerable increases in their net rates payable as a result of the new valuations determined by the State Valuer General.

“The Council does not want to be put into the same position we were three years ago when a large number of property valuation increase were around 30% which resulted in large increases in rates for those property owners,” said Mayor Carpenter.

“By developing and implementing the rates concessions over the next three years Council hopes to provide some rates relief for property owners.”

Geraldton Gross Rental Valuations Residential  Non Residential 2015 - Download PDF

The Comedy Emporium Set to Break New Ground at Breakers

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Get ready to break some new ground, The Comedy Emporium are breaking from tradition and partnering with a local pub for the very FIRST time to bring you the best local comedy in Geraldton. The Comedy Emporium Winter Pub Comedy Show will help comedians break the ice for audiences and give them a huge night of laughs, live music and good times down at Breakers Bar on Friday July 10. With a big following in Geraldton, The Comedy Emporium are doing great things all across regional WA, and once again will partner a massive lineup of national comedians with local talent to show regional audiences that these Gero comedians have become nothing short of unbreakable on stage.

“We’re really excited to see our Geraldton comedians doing such amazing thing across regional WA, after having our second birthday in Geraldton this year things are just getting bigger and better all of the time. The guys will be sure to break a leg come showtime at Breakers!” - said The Comedy Emporium Ringleader Julian Canny.

After already achieving great things in the two short years since it’s inception, The Comedy Emporium Geraldton have given light to so many regional comedians and taken their talent to regional centres across WA. Bringing it back home again to Geraldton, there is going to be some seriously Breaking Bad comedy for The Comedy Emporium Winter Pub Comedy Show.

“We are so excited about this show that we are really trying to break new ground. We even tried to fit in as many puns into our media release as possible but I don’t think we will break any records.” - said The Comedy Emporium Ringleader, Julian Canny.

The Comedy Emporium Geraldton is a comedy club that aims to develop the local comedy industry in Regional WA by empowering locals to learn and perform stand up comedy. There are a lot of people out there who find it hard to breakout of their nine to five cycle, give comedy a go, and find time for some laughs instead! Laughter is pretty important to The Comedy Emporium team who make their unbreakable promise to partner with local funny men and women (through their free workshop program) with some of the country’s best touring talent to showcase to Geraldton audiences the huge amount of awesome local talent out there.

In other breaking news, the long list of local breakthrough talent is giving Geraldton audiences the chance to see why this regional centre is fast­becoming the best place for local comedy. The Comedy Emporium’s long list of exciting workshops, fun programs and great partnerships with other international and local comedians, really shows how laughter can bring people together and unite a community.

“Our local Geraldton team are doing such awesome things within the comedy scene and really giving Geraldton a great reputation as the best regional town for local comedy. Laughter brings people together and we are all about uniting the community and showing audiences what Geraldton is made of!” - said The Comedy Emporium Producer Emma Howell

There will be a massive list of great international acts and performers alongside our Geraldton locals giving audiences a jam­packed night of back­breaking laughs. Audiences can come along for a big night out at the Breakers Pub, stay all night for a big night of comedy and then kick on afterwards and be part of the Break­fast Club to keep the party cranking past midnight.

Limited presale tickets are available from The Comedy Emporium website at www.thecomedyemporium.com for $22 Pre­sale each, or on the door for $25 on the door.

Live Music 7.30pm, Comedy 8.30pm. Head down to Breakers for dinner before the show.

For enquiries please ring 0458 306 111. No BYO alcohol. Bar available.

Playground boost for Holland Street school students

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Students at Holland Street School are set to get new playground equipment and shade structures.

Geraldton MLA Ian Blayney said the school would receive$20,000 funding to get new and stimulating playground equipment to boost children’s physical activity or install shade structures to help protect students from the sun.

“The playground and shade structures program is giving local school children more opportunities to get moving, increase their fitness, develop gross motor skills and strengthen their bodies,” Mr Blayney said.

“Being active is one of the most important factors for children to develop and maintain good health.

“Fun and exciting playground equipment encourages children to play and use their imaginations.

“Shaded areas for children to play in are also very important in our Western Australian climate.”

Free of charge mobile calls to 1800 numbers from today

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An announcement by Vodafone in May 2015 that it would make calls to 1800 numbers free of charge for all of its customers was excellent news for telecommunications customers. From today, the overwhelming majority of mobile operators, including Vodafone, Optus and Telstra, will be providing their customers free of charge mobile calls to 1800 numbers.

Vodafone had made this announcement notwithstanding its concerns that providing free of charge mobile calls to 1800 numbers unfairly disadvantages mobile providers because of the way interconnect charges are calculated. The Australian Communications and Media Authority understands this is an area of continuing negotiation within industry.

The ACMA considers the ongoing reform of charging arrangements for mobile calls to 13/1300 and 1800 numbers over the last several years, without the need for direct regulatory intervention, to be a significant achievement and acknowledges industry’s leadership role in delivering this reform and its associated consumer benefits.

The ACMA also wishes to acknowledge the positive advocacy role played by the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN), particularly on behalf of organisations that represent vulnerable consumers.

The ACMA is aware however that a small number of mobile providers have yet to implement this capability for their customers. The ACMA will continue to work with Communications Alliance and ACCAN to encourage these providers to implement free of charge mobile calls in a timely manner.

In the interim, if making mobile calls to 1800 numbers is important to you and your provider has not yet announced that it has (or will) make calls to these numbers free of charge, you should consider the large range of providers and mobile plans which do offer calls to 1800 numbers free of charge.

The ACMA and industry will continue to closely monitor how these arrangements work out in practice, particularly for vulnerable consumers.

Goodbye paper bills - access your rates electronically

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You can say goodbye to paper bills because City of Greater Geraldton rate payers can now manage their rates with the click of a button!

The City will be introducing BPAY View so you can receive your rates electronically.

With ease of access, helping the environment, convenience and reminders, the benefits of BPAY View speak for themselves.

BPAY View will allow you to receive, view, store and pay your rates notices online through the safe and secure system of your online banking provider.

City Mayor, Ian Carpenter, said the City had been focusing on using online technology to ensure the utmost ease for City residents.

“The introduction of BPAY View is just one of the elements that we have introduced to enhance accessibility when it comes to City services,” he said.

“It is also one of the proactive strategies being implemented by the City to improve efficiency and cut our operational costs.

“Earlier in the year we saw the introduction of the new City website which has introduced many user-friendly features making it more convenient for the community.

“The City is doing its best to be at the forefront of up-to-date online technologies to help ensure the best experience for our customers,” he added.

Once live, it will only take three simple steps to get started with BPAY View.

  1. Log into your online banking account
  2. Look for the BPAY View or View bills section
  3. Register your bill by entering the BPAY biller code and your reference number.

For further enquiries about how you can view your rates electronically, please contact City of Greater Geraldton on 9956 6600.

July School Holiday Fun

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Looking for something to do these school holidays to keep the kids entertained? The City of Greater Geraldton has got you covered with a number of activities happening across the region for kids of all ages.

The City has worked with several local organisations, such as the PCYC and the WA Museum Geraldton to create an exciting calendar of events for the July school holidays.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Ian Carpenter said the community had expressed concern that there is not enough for young people to do, particularly in the school holidays.

“We have listened and have tried to address these concerns by working with local organisations to facilitate a number events and activities to take place across the two weeks of the holidays in Geraldton and Mullewa,” the Mayor said.

“Some of the events include Hip-hop dance and singing workshops at the Queens Park Theatre, basketball clinics and competitions, beach excursions, as well as a number of workshops and activities at the Museum and Geraldton Regional Library. And youth in Mullewa have been well catered for with a range of activities and events.” 

For a full run down of events and activities over the July school holidays visit www.cgg.wa.gov.au

Free activities from Our Home Our Streets

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Free activities from Our Home Our Streets

Local residents are invited to register now to take part in free activity sessions being held at the Spalding Community Centre as part of Our Home Our Streets.

Our Home Our Streets is a community project being piloted in Spalding. The project aims to connect, support and empower neighbourhood communities and improve the health and wellbeing of local residents. The City recognises that there are pressing social issues in Spalding and is taking action.

City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Ian Carpenter said the activities were quick wins resulting from initial community consultation.

“In May the City, in collaboration with the Department of Housing, WA Police, Department of Aboriginal Affairs, Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal Corporation, and the WA Centre for Rural Health, held a community event at the Spalding Community Centre,” the Mayor explained.

“As a result of community consultation at the event the City has decided to host a 10 week program of activities at the centre.”

“The program contains activities for young people including a community art project and hip hop classes as well as a seniors program of activities.”

The free sessions will commence in the week starting 20 July 2015. To attend sessions people are asked to register online.

All activities will be held at the Spalding Community Centre in Mitchell Street and run for 10 weeks.

Places are limited and people are asked to register their interest as soon as possible. Preference is given to those who reside in Spalding.

For more information and to register visit www.cgg.wa.gov.au and search Our Home Our Streets or phone the City on 9956 6600. 

2 British men rowing from Geraldton to Mauritius have called to be rescued for a 2nd time

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#Developing Authorities have mounted a rescue for two British rowers attempting a second world-record rowing trip from #Geraldton to Mauritius.

Posted by Geraldton Guardian on Tuesday, July 7, 2015

UPDATE: Diverted oil tanker and police air wing expected to meet stricken rowers anytime soon. See story here.http://bit.ly/1HeOW7r

Posted by Geraldton Guardian on Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Hog's Breath coming to Geraldton

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The Geraldton Guardian has reported that the rumours surrounding a Hog's Breath in Geraldton are indeed true. 

National restaurant franchise Hog’s Breath Cafe is coming to Geraldton.Hog’s Breath Cafe franchise development manager...

Posted by Geraldton Guardian on Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Wajarri Dictionary app available for iPhone and Android

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A new app has been developed by the Geraldton based Bundiyarra Corp. called the Wajarri Dictionary, and it's now available to download for iOS and Android. 

I had a play with the app, and it's simple to use and easy to navigate. It works on both iPad and iPhone, and worked fine on the Android phones we tested it on. 

You can search English words and see what they translate into, or if you've heard the Wajarri word and want to know what it means in English, you can do that too. 

It's not a comprehensive "learn how to speak Wajarri" resource. Instead, it serves more as an archive of individual words and phrases. In the form of a smartphone app, it is easily accessible to many people whose only computer is their phone. 

It's a free download, and definitely worth checking out. A big thanks to everyone who put so much effort into the project. Protecting this part of our culture and heritage is invaluable. 

From the iTunes App Description

The Wajarri Dictionary app has been developed by the Bundiyarra – Irra Wangga Language Centre (part of the Bundiyarra Aboriginal Community Aboriginal Corporation) which is based in Geraldton, Western Australia. The Wajarri language featured in this app was traditionally spoken in the Murchison region of the state, and is now spoken throughout the wider Midwest and with Wajarri people all over the country and planet.

The app features almost 2,000 Wajarri words, taken from the printed Wajarri Dictionary, launched in 2012. Each word has an English translation, as well a detailed description, including cultural and natural information (where available). Audio recordings with syllable breakdown to assist with pronunciation accompany all entries.

Users can add entries to ‘Favourites’ to assist with language learning and to enable easy access to commonly used words.

The information section of the app features information on Wajarri language, a usage guide, pictures of beautiful Wajarri country and a dedication to the many speakers who gave their language and made projects like this possible.

 

Aboriginal Corp. officers have assets frozen by court after "borrowing" $1.7million

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Former officers of the Geraldton based Murchison Region Aboriginal Corporation, executive officer, Ashley Taylor, and financial officer, Abul Shahid, have had their assets frozen by the Federal Court after an audit found they had made unapproved loans to themselves totalling about $1.7million.

The ABC:

The registrar said both men had repaid most of the money but still owed the corporation more than $300,000.

However, it gets even messier:

It is alleged Mr Shahid used money from the Wajarri People's Trust, of which he was the trustee, to repay money borrowed from the corporation.

Click to read more

Parts of Foreshore fenced off as part of new construction

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Fencing will be raised on parts of the Foreshore as construction of the new Multi User Facility and Event Space; and Youth Precinct begins.

Fencing will commence on Monday, 6 July and from Tuesday, 7 July the area of the Foreshore in front of the Sail Inn towards the back of the Geraldton Visitor Centre, including the existing ablution block, will be fenced off from the public for an estimated 12 months. 

Please see the attached map for details for the fenced area.

Click to enlarge

Women Invited to Free After Breast Cancer Exercise Program

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Women who have experienced breast cancer at any time in their lives are being invited to register now for the free after breast cancer exercise program, YWCA Encore, which is running in Geraldton commencing in August 2015. The Encore program supports the physical well-being of women after the trauma of breast cancer surgery or treatment in a nurturing and supportive environment, whether that surgery was a few months ago or 20 years ago. It runs for eight weeks, is tailored for all fitness levels and abilities and incorporates land and hydrotherapy exercises.

The Encore program is based on the latest research revealing the benefits of exercise for women being treated for breast cancer, which shows that aerobic exercise is of particular benefit along with resistance exercises.

Cathy Stubbs, YWCA Of Perth Program coordinator says, “The Encore Program was created to improve movement, flexibility and strength after breast cancer surgery. It helps to reduce the potential risk of lymphoedema and can assist in its management.

“We’ve been working with leading experts in the field of exercise and cancer to help us review the research and update our program and as a result, Encore now includes an aerobic component as well as strength and mobility exercises.”

The Breast Cancer Network of Australia recommends regular exercise to help improve physical and emotional wellbeing, including mood, sleep, and bone mineral density, and to help manage some of the physical side effects of breast cancer treatment, such as fatigue and pain.

Encore helps women stay well after a very difficult time in their lives, not only through the proven physical benefits of the program, but also through meeting others who’ve had similar experiences.

As medical clearance is required, it’s important to register as soon as possible in order to secure a place, at least two weeks prior to the class beginning because the classes are small and intimate, so places fill up quickly.

Register by calling 0894403501 emailing programs@ywcaperth.com.au Participation is free 

Crossbow Seized

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At about 11:25pm on Thursday 2 July 2015 a Holden Commodore sedan was travelling along Chapman Road, Bluff Point.

Geraldton local police team conducted a vehicle stop where it is alleged upon searching the vehicle a cross bow was located.

A 27 year old male from Meekatharra will appear at the Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date charged with carry or possess prohibited weapon. 

First Geraldton premises hit NBN copper cut-off D-Day this week

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iiNet reports that the first premises in Geraldton this week hit a Deadline Day for disconnecting their copper telephone lines as part of the compulsory migration to the NBN.
 
This Friday, July 10, about 1900 homes and businesses in Geraldton and Beachlands reach the copper disconnection deadline. This means anyone who has not placed an order for an NBN service will have their phone lines disconnected within 10 working days. To date, Perth and Mandurah are the only WA locations to reach the disconnection deadline.

iiNet is a national provider of NBN services, with more than 60,000 customers already using the NBN.

iiNet NBN Product Manager Rachael McIntyre

iiNet NBN Product Manager Rachael McIntyre said the 1900 homes and businesses in Geraldton and Beachlands were the first premises in the town to reach the disconnection deadline. “Consumers need to act quickly," she said.

"While their phone and Internet services may not stop working on that date, they will within days, so it really is time for people to upgrade to the NBN. Households or businesses still relying on the old phone network need to choose either to switch across to the NBN or to go mobile-only.

“Already iiNet has more than 60,000 residential and business customers using the NBN, enjoying much faster Internet access speeds and competitive prices, so there’s nothing scary about making this move.”

Since May last year, NBN has progressively announced areas in Australia that have reached the deadline for ageing copper telephone networks to be disconnected permanently as part of the move to the NBN. More than 140,000 premises throughout Australia have reached the disconnection deadline so far this year - more than twice as many as in all of last year.

Rachael McIntyre said people who had not yet moved to the NBN needed to make decisions. “Firstly, they must choose whether they want an Internet access service, a phone service or both,” she said.

“Secondly, if they use services such as faxes, monitored security alarms, Priority Assistance Services or EFTPOS terminals, they need to speak to the providers of these services to confirm they work on the NBN.

“The third step is to select the NBN Retail Service Provider, like iiNet, that best meets their needs, in terms of product, pricing and customer service. People do need make the choice. We really want to ensure they don’t risk losing their phone and Internet service before they get the NBN connected.”

Click here for answers to frequently asked questions about the NBN copper cutoff deadline