CeBIT09: NSW Government wants to build NBN testbeds

With an audience of Communications Minister Stephen Conroy, NSW Premier Nathan Rees wasted no time pitching NSW as the "natural choice" for the NBN base, assuring the Senator that NSW "will offer its full support from the first test to the last connection".

Apart from being tasked with securing NBN HQ, Rees said he'd personally asked the taskforce to scope the establishment of what he called NBN testbeds in the State.

Constructed in conjunction with the CSIRO, universities and other research bodies, it is envisioned the testbeds explore "the next generation of content applications that high speed broadband will enable".

Former deputy director-general of the NSW Premier and Cabinet Office Graham Head will chair the taskforce.

NSW chief scientist Professor Mary O'Kane is also on the taskforce, along with "senior officials" from the Premier's department, the Department of State and Regional Development, Department of Land and Planning, Department of Commerce and the NSW CIO, according to Rees.

The taskforce will also look at ways the NSW Government can leverage its assets as part of the NBN rollout, Rees said.

"My Government offers its full assistance in locating the headquarters of the NBN company here in Sydney," Rees said.

"I want NSW to cut through the red tape to make broadband rollout as fast and efficient as possible."

Rees also outlined plans to develop a "comprehensive" data strategy that will see the consolidation of data storage across NSW Government properties.

He said that if storage were consolidated now it would occupy eight stories of a high-rise building. In 20 years, it is expected to fill some 40 stories.

Rees also said the NSW Government will work with NICTA and the industry to examine opportunities to advance NSW Government ICT projects to stave off the effects of the recession on the industry.