MERCURY SAYS: Fast-tracking NBN equals opportunity

If indeed Prime Minister Julia Gillard announces the fast-tracking of the National Broadband Network to Wollongong, as we have foreshadowed, we ought to mark this as a red-letter day for the Illawarra.We have always advocated for projects that further the interests of the people of the Illawarra. Among them has been the Maldon-Dombarton rail extension, which has gained community consensus and which will also receive a boost today.We do not want to relegate the importance of Maldon-Dombarton to this region’s economy, to this nation’s economy, in moving our mineral wealth to Port Kembla.But the NBN is, in many respects, a nation-building project that will more fundamentally change our lives, our businesses and our community.Should we become an early adopter of broadband technology, this region - which has been sadly neglected over the years by state and federal governments of both persuasions - would have a sudden advantage over other parts of Australia. In essence, we would leapfrog to the forefront of innovation. Combined with our unmatched environmental and social assets, Wollongong could become Australia’s Silicon Beach, famed as a place to work, study, live and visit.Of course, it will take more than fibre optic cabling to telegraph to the world the merits of Wollongong as one of the world’s great modern cities. It will be imperative the city has in hand a business, tourism and social strategy ready for the opportunities when the switch is flicked on for broadband.If we receive a head start on the rest of the country, we will have a once-in-a-generation chance to sell our story to the rest of the world. And this new Wollongong will need a marketing campaign with grunt and sex appeal that stimulates the senses, attracts the creative class and sets us apart.