McEwen residents fed up with the stalled rollout of the National Broadband Network will have the chance to vent their frustrations at a forum in Sunbury this week.
With many people in newer areas of Sunbury, including Jacksons Hill, still unable to access even basic ADSL, the forum will hear from residents who have had their study and work lives disrupted by NBN delays.
Many have resorted to expensive wireless broadband, with no ADSL ports available.
Sunbury’s Robert Coburn said the lack of suitable internet was having a major effect on his family, including three students.
‘‘We had the NBN when we lived in Bacchus Marsh some years back,” he said. “Coming to Sunbury, it’s like it’s 1973 by comparison.’’
Gisborne’s Carmen McKinney said her husband, a consultant in the water industry, had to quit his job because fixed internet was not available.
‘‘We did all our homework before moving in two years ago,’’ she said. ‘‘Even to this day they will tell you ADSL is available, but it’s not.’’
Her teenage children have resorted to using free wi-fi at McDonald’s for their homework.
Federal opposition communications spokesman Jason Clare will be part of Thursday’s event, which will be hosted by McEwen MP Rob Mitchell.
Mr Mitchell said residents affected by internet and mobile phone woes were contacting his office daily.
“With so much of our lives online today, access to fast, reliable and affordable internet isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity,’’ he said.
Construction of the NBN began in Sunbury in 2013 and was scheduled for total completion by June last year.
The rollout was put on hold following the Liberal government’s revised NBN plan and is now expected to finish in Sunbury some time next year.
While NBN is available in Kyneton and parts of Woodend and Macedon, large parts of towns such as Riddells Creek, Romsey, Gisborne and Lancefield will have to wait longer.
Having previously promised the total rollout of the NBN by the end of last year, the government has said its revised plan will finally ‘‘end the digital divide’’. NBNCo did not respond by deadline.
Thursday’s forum will be held at Sunbury Neighbourhood House from 7pm. Bookings essential: 9333 0440
