NBN row ‘not politics’

Councillors firm on vote to reject internet base

THE community group leader at the centre of a tug of war between Liberal MP Sarah Henderson and former Labor candidate Libby Coker has spoken out after an email leak.

Committee for Equitable Telecommunications Access in Bellbrae chairman Geoff Winkler said he was disappointed Ms Henderson made correspondence public over a proposed internet base near Torquay.

Surf Coast councillors voted this week to reject the national broadband network’s proposed fixed wireless facility in Bellbrae.

Ms Henderson called on the Surf Coast Shire to investigate whether Cr Coker had a possible conflict of interest in voting against the proposal.

The Corangamite MP released details of an email sent by Mr Winkler to other members of the CETAB group, which advised to meet with Cr Rose Hodge to “develop a strategy to delay planning approval” for the NBN facility.

Mr Winkler said he appreciated the council’s consultation over the matter.

“I was very disappointed that this email was released,” he said. “I want to keep out of the politics. The community felt that this NBN proposal wasn’t the right one for our community and the council decision reflects that.”

Cr Coker declined to comment on Ms Henderson’s accusation that she was “working closely with objectors to undermine NBN’s rollout of fixed wireless broadband for political purposes”.

“The majority of councillors voted against this proposal because it wasn’t in the best interests of the community,” Cr Coker said. “Many residents are currently paying hundreds of dollars a month for satellite internet because connectivity in the Bellbrae area is so poor.”

Cr Hodge was not at the vote but said she supported her fellow councillors in principle.

“I’m not concerned about the political side of NBN, it’s about the technology side and whether the Bellbrae area was getting the best deal,” she said.

“I wasn’t even at the meeting, so for (Ms Henderson) to be alleging some sort of conspiracy, that undercuts her argument. (Councillors) David Bell, Martin Duke, the deputy mayor (Carol McGregor) as well as Libby all voted on this.”