According to the NBN Co’s website, the area to be rolled out from June this year encompasses the townships of Taree, Tinonee, Cundletown and Wingham. The site said the average estimated time from work beginning to NBN services being available is 12 months.

Independent Lyne MP Rob Oakeshott said about 4500 homes and businesses would have access to fast, reliable broadband as a result of yesterday’s announcement.

He said the reason he was given why Greater Taree would be first in Lyne was because of the strong education presence here.

“The NBN is a game changer for rural and regional Australia,” Mr Oakeshott said.

“The investment in decent communications in places like Taree is not just about faster broadband for households. It’s about creating new business opportunities, creating jobs, connecting to new markets and making business more profitable.

“Online health services, including aged care services, will make life much easier for families who, in regional communities, have never had the sort of access to services that our city cousins take for granted.

“Families will be able to consult with medical specialists, no matter how far they or their GP are from Sydney, Melbourne or even London.

“Our children will have access to world-class education services and be able to attend a virtual class in another part of the country, or even the world, opening new career opportunities for a new generation of Australians.

“For the first time in our nation’s history, the health, education and economic possibilities for rural and regional communities such as Taree are endless.”

Mr Oakeshott said he was looking forward to receiving more detailed information about the rollout in the Taree area.

An interactive searchable map is available on the NBN Co. website at www.nbnco.com.au/rollout.

In the near future residents will also be able to enter their address to see the details of the NBN rollout in their neighbourhood.