Goolgowi will be one of 46 locations across regional NSW to get connected to fast and reliable fixed wireless internet, thanks to the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government's Gig State $50 million agreement with NBN Co, announced today
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the landmark agreement with NBN Co will build a network of 56 new and co-located fixed wireless towers, boosting internet services for more than 11,000 homes and businesses across the State.
"This is one of the largest ever digital infrastructure investments by the NSW Government," Mr Toole said.
"Whether you're running a household or a business, you need fast, reliable internet. This investment will ensure small communities in remote, coastal and rural areas have access to reliable, fast broadband internet and a choice of service providers, at comparative prices and speeds as metropolitan Sydney.
"Our focus with Gig State is to improve services for communities who can currently only access a satellite internet connection, such as Wilcannia in the Far West, Kundabung on the North Coast, and Goolgowi, Hay, Pleasant Hills, and Yerong Creek in the Riverina.
"Improved internet services will boost education and job opportunities, open more healthcare options, and connect more people, making everyday tasks easier."
The NBN Co agreement is the first to be signed as part of the $60 million Gig State grants announced in 2022, with additional agreements expected in the coming months.
Mr Toole said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has prioritised the most under-served regional communities through the Gig State project.
"This program has already invested in 55 regional locations, using a mixture of fixed wireless and fixed line technology to provide metropolitan-grade internet for residents and businesses, with more to come," Mr Toole said.
NBN Co will commence detailed planning across the 46 regional locations and will provide these communities with more details about the rollout in the coming months.
The network of 56 new and co-located NBN fixed wireless towers will be rolled out incrementally and will be completed by the end of 2025.
The $100 million Gig State project is part of the Regional Digital Connectivity program funded by the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund, dedicated to transformational infrastructure investment across regional NSW.
For more information on the Regional Digital Connectivity program, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/connectregionalnsw.
