5-minute read

We explore nbn™ ready towns, suburbs and cities – like Busselton in Western Australia – and discover what connectivity can mean for the region and its people.

Where can you stroll the longest timber-piled jetty in the Southern Hemisphere, spot oh-so-cute (yet critically endangered) western ringtail possums, and enjoy the benefits of connectivity from one of 85 regional nbn™ Business Fibre Zones?

You’ll find it all – and more – in beautiful Busselton, Western Australia.

Welcome to Busselton

The gateway to the world-famous Margaret River wine region, you’ll find Busselton (Wadandi Country) relaxing on the southwest tip of Australia’s biggest state.

And while it may be a little sleepier than its capital city counterpart, it doesn’t mean Busselton feels any less connected.

Just ask local resident Jacqui Wells.

Moving from the big smoke of Perth to regional Busselton, Jacqui was initially apprehensive about the connectivity awaiting them in their new hometown.

“I work from home a few days and the kids are at that age of starting to need the computer for school and not just games,” says Jacqui.

Two years on and connected to services over the nbn™ network on a 50/20 plan, as it turns out, she needn’t have worried.

“I’m pleased to say we have had no issues and the nbn™ [network] has helped us with a seamless transition into regional life.”*

And when it comes to a change of pace and space, Jacqui and her family are in good company.

According to the nbn™ Flexible Lifestyle Survey, conducted by YouGov, 35 per cent of Australians surveyed are considering relocating to their ideal community after COVID-19 – especially city-dwellers.

Half of those who live in one of the five major capital cities say they’ve wanted to move for a while, and 85 per cent of those surveyed who can work remotely agree that connectivity is now more important than ever to achieve their ideal work approach.

In the (business) zone

Established in 1994, Computer West is a leading provider of business information communications technology (ICT) systems.

“Recent announcements, like the Business Fibre Zones, have really opened up the options for Busselton businesses to take advantage of new technology that most thought they could only really use if they were in Perth,” says Keith, whose business has been connected to services over the nbn™ network for the past eight years.

“We can confidently talk to our customers about cloud-based services that will save them time and money, and know that there is a connection that will make it all work for them.”*

Connected jetty

To paraphrase that world-renowned Aussie, that’s not a jetty, this is a jetty.

At 1.841km long, Busselton Jetty juts out into the Indian Ocean almost as far as the eye can see.

Connected to services over the nbn™ network, it’s no ordinary jetty.

There’s plenty to see and do at the iconic landmark that was built in 1865 and is today run by volunteer community organisation, Busselton Jetty Inc.

For example, take its Stocker Preston Express electric train to the end of the line to explore one of only six underwater observatories in the world.

Or pop into the iconic blue boatsheds closer to shore to visit the Interpretive Centre, Jetty Museum and gift shop.

Usually attracting 400,000 visitors a year, Busselton Jetty – like so many tourism attractions across Australia and the world – had to think a little differently during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Using technology was key to keeping the Busselton Jetty top of mind for people that couldn’t visit during the COVID period,” says Lisa Shreeve, CEO at Busselton Jetty.

“And it will continue to be a big focus as we add more interactive experiences to the Busselton Jetty journey.”

The jetty is set for even more innovative development in the coming years.

“With the exciting announcement of the approval for the Busselton Jetty's Australian Underwater Discovery Centre … our nbn™ network services will be needed as we expect visitors to more than triple when it’s completed in December 2022.”*

* nbn is very happy with Jacqui, Keith and Lisa’s experiences with the nbn™ network. Of course, experiences may vary. Your experience, including the speeds actually achieved over the nbn™ network depends on the nbn™ access network technology and configuration over which services are delivered to your premises, whether you are using the internet during the busy period, and some factors outside nbn’s control like equipment quality, software, broadband plan, signal reception and how your service provider designs its network. Speeds may also be impacted by the number of concurrent users on the nbn™ Fixed Wireless network, including during busy periods. Satellite end customers may also experience latency.

† nbn is a wholesaler and does not control costs charged by service providers. Customers should contact their preferred service provider to ask about their fees and charges.