Shellharbour City Council is also launching a website in preparation for the eventual NBN connection in the area.

As part of its approach to the use of the NBN connection, council is launching a website next month to engage with the community and capture information that will help formulate its final NBN strategy.

“I am excited to be announcing this website that will enable the community to raise any questions about the NBN as well as what Council services could be improved by the use of the NBN,” mayor Kellie Marsh said.

Each week the site will publish new questions, responses, media alerts as well as videos illustrating what the NBN means to the community.

“Everyone will have the chance to become a star and show us how the NBN could benefit you,” Cr Marsh said.

A competition will be run for three months, with up to $500 in prize money offered each month for the best videos posted by individuals, school students, academics and business people.

“These videos can be as creative or serious as you like,” Cr Marsh said.

“What we want to see is the variety of ways the NBN can be used in our area and how it will impact you.

“We invite everyone to join with us to engage in understanding what role this new technology will play in our daily lives.”

For more information go to www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au and on Tuesday, March 21 visit the www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au/NBN website to monitor the latest updates, video footage and questions raised about NBN in the area.

During his visit to Kiama last Friday, NBN Co chief executive Mike Quigley could not confirm whether Shellharbour would be listed in its next three-year plan, but applauded the council’s efforts to get ready.

“Even if it isn’t coming to an area for a number of years, there are many lessons to be learned from other areas like Kiama so they can prepare themselves,” he said.

“So when the NBN does arrive, they’re already a long way along in getting their systems set up.”