Contractors for NBN Co Limited have undertaken a preliminary assessment of the Townsville first release site in order to assess how the design has stood up to extreme cyclonic weather conditions.

It has been established that while falling trees have caused significant damage to many of the power poles on which NBNCo's fibre optic cables were situated, so far it has not been possible to ascertain any damage to the cables themselves. Further tests all the network components, including underground ducts and pits, are ongoing.

Nevertheless the most important priority for the region must be the restoration of power to people's homes. NBN Co is in discussions with its construction partner in the region, Ergon Energy, about the short-term release of NBN Co contractors to assist with the recovery effort.

A spokesperson for NBN Co said:

"We remain 100 per cent committed to Townsville. NBN Co chose the region precisely because of the enormous challenges it poses. We are rolling out an improved broadband service to the entire Australian population - including those who live in areas that are susceptible to extremes of climate. The pilot sites, including Townsville, allow us to test different construction techniques in different geographies as part of a learning process."

Townsville is one of five first release sites selected for the NBN rollout. Approximately 3100 premises in the western suburbs of Townsville are in the NBN fibre rollout area. Covering parts of the suburbs of Aitkenvale and Mundingburra, the area is bounded by Ross River Road, China Street, the Ross River and the Bruce Highway/Nathan Street.

Ergon Energy secured the contract to deploy the NBN in Townsville and has been deploying fibre in the city since July.