Today’s announcement by NBN Co that the Tarro phone exchange has been added to the National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout schedule is welcome news for Thornton residents who have been relentless in their campaign to be included in the program’s rollout.

As Tarro has now been included in the construction plan, Thornton will be covered and there is a level of assurance for residents that they have been craving.

Federal Member for Newcastle, Sharon Claydon, congratulated and thanked residents for their ongoing advocacy that helped to make this result possible.

“This announcement is a win for the Thornton community and is a direct result of their relentless pursuit to be connected,” Ms Claydon said.

“The Shadow Minister for Communications and I would not have been able to make as strong a case for Thornton as we have, without being able to share the real-life stories that residents have told us in person, over the phone and in writing.”

“Last month the Shadow Minister and I were in Thornton again for a community forum where over 100 residents attended. Their stories of having inadequate broadband service and access were astounding.”

“From businesses that were being forced to leave the area, to residents considering moving away and students being hampered in their studies, the current lack of access to quality broadband has directly disadvantaged residents.”

“I have written to the Minister on numerous occasions, put questions in writing to him and spoken regularly in Parliament on behalf of the community and I’m glad the Minister has finally listened.”

“While today’s announcement is just the first step in being connected to the NBN and there is still a wait for construction to commence, the news is welcome and I thank the residents of Thornton for working with the Shadow Minister and me to get this result for our community.”

“I have given an assurance to the Thornton community that I will not rest until they had access to a level of broadband that they need and want. The people of Thornton deserve no less and I will continue to work with them and put the case for Thornton to the Minister until residents are actually connected to the NBN.”