Enough is Enough – Lack of Telstra Service Affecting the Lives of Gwydir Shire Residents
It is deeply disappointing that in this day and age we are still having to raise serious concerns about the lack of reliable mobile service across our Shire. This is not a new issue – I have raised it time and time again, yet little has changed.
Over the Easter weekend, Bingara hosted its annual Easterfish Competition. Volunteers dedicated countless hours to make it a success, only for the experience to be dampened by poor mobile coverage. Participants were unable to upload their catches on the event app due to limited or no service.
The same issue occurred last month in Gravesend during the Mason Daley Cod Classic weekend. Each time we raise these concerns, we are told by Telstra that the problem is due to congestion – too many people trying to use the network at once.
Quite frankly, that explanation is no longer acceptable.
If this were happening on Pitt Street in Sydney or in the heart of Canberra, I have no doubt swift action would be taken. Our communities deserve the same level of service and attention.
My greatest concern is the potential for a serious emergency where communication failure could lead to tragic consequences. That risk is simply too great to ignore.
Let me be clear: this is not a Local Government or State Government responsibility – yet we are the ones continuing to push for solutions. We have made every effort to work constructively with Telstra rather than simply complain, but progress has been extremely limited.
We were promised that the tower in southern Bingara would be upgraded before the end of 2025. That commitment has not been met.
While it is encouraging to see that upgrades are underway in Warialda this week, much more needs to be done across the entire Shire.
Please know that I hear your concerns and share your frustration. I remain committed to advocating on behalf of our community.
As a next step, I will be formally requesting a meeting with the Federal Minister for Communications the Hon Anika Wells, alongside General Manager Leeah Daley, to demand meaningful and urgent action.
I have also raised these concerns at a Country Mayors’ Meeting at Parliament House in Sydney, as well as with the Shadow Minister.
Enough is enough – our communities deserve better.
Source: Facebook Gwydir Shire Council Mayor Tiffany Galvin
