Residents and businesses across parts of Bland Shire are set to benefit from a major upgrade to digital connectivity, with the activation of new NBN Fixed Wireless broadband services now live in the Weethalle region and improved Fibre access now available in West Wyalong and Wyalong.
Bland Shire Council, in partnership with NBN, is pleased to announce that upgraded services will deliver faster and more reliable internet across key areas of the shire, thanks to the activation of new Fixed Wireless infrastructure on the tower at Mount Narriah, near Weethalle.
These upgrades are delivering on priorities outlined in the Digital Connectivity Plan developed collaboratively by Bland Shire Council and NBN Co, supporting the shared commitment to improving digital access and connectivity across the region.
To mark this important development, Bland Shire Deputy Mayor Lisa Minogue, General Manager Grant Baker and NBN Local NSW Head Tom O'Dea, will visit Weethalle Hall at 12pm on Tuesday 1 July. Community members are warmly invited to attend and learn more about what the new technology means for their homes, farms and businesses.
Bland Shire Mayor Brian Monaghan welcomed the announcement, saying the improved access to high-speed broadband would deliver long-term benefits for residents across the region.
"The launch of NBN broadband throughout the Weethalle area marks a significant milestone for our community," Mayor Monaghan said.
"This investment in digital infrastructure means better access to services, more opportunities for local businesses, and stronger connections for families and individuals. It also opens up new possibilities for education, healthcare, and economic development across our region."
The Mount Narriah tower will serve approximately 200 premises within a 29-kilometre radius, including the township of Weethalle. While speeds and availability are terrain-dependent, the upgrade offers a significant improvement for many in rural areas previously limited by older technology.
Mayor Monaghan added that improved connectivity was essential for keeping pace in the modern world.
"Reliable broadband is no longer a luxury — it's a necessity," he said.
"From supporting our farmers with access to modern agricultural technology, to helping students learn remotely and enabling small businesses to grow online, this upgrade gives Weethalle and the surrounding area better access to the tools and services needed to keep up with today's digital demands."
In addition to Weethalle's new wireless capability, recent upgrades in West Wyalong and Wyalong mean that many residents previously connected via the old copper network may now be eligible for Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) services, offering even faster and more reliable speeds.
Tom O'Dea from NBN encouraged locals to find out what services are available to them and to speak with the NBN Local team at upcoming community drop-in sessions.
"Our NBN Local team will be outside Bernardi's Supermarket in West Wyalong on Wednesday 2 July and Thursday 3 July from 10am to 4pm to assist residents with address checks, answer questions, and provide service health checks," Mr O'Dea said.
Residents are encouraged to check their address at www.nbn.com.au/CheckRegional to view available technologies and plan options through their preferred Retail Service Provider.
