29/12/2025
BINGARA PHONE OUTAGE
From the Gwydir Shire Council.
CONNECTIVITY ISSUES IN BINGARA
Once again, Bingara and surrounding areas are without Telstra phone service. This is incredibly frustrating, particularly at such a busy time of year when we have many visitors and families in our community.
I was notified this morning that there is no phone service, and I have also been made aware of messages suggesting this is a Council issue, or that Council is not doing its job. I want to be very clear — this is not a Council issue.
I am constantly advocating on behalf of our community. In November, I raised this very issue in Parliament House at the Country Mayors Association of NSW conference, where I strongly emphasised the serious safety risks of having no phone service, including the inability to call 000 in an emergency.
Today, I have attempted to contact our Telstra representative but have not received a response. I have also tried to contact The Hon Barnaby Joyce, Member for New England without success.
I did speak this morning with The Hon Brendan Moylan, Member for Northern Tablelands, who has also attempted to contact Telstra on our behalf. We are fortunate to have such a proactive State representative who consistently goes out of his way to help, even when matters fall outside state responsibility.
This is a Federal telecommunications issue, not a State or Council matter. Despite that, we will continue to push, lobby, and advocate for a better outcome for Bingara and our wider community.
I will also work to arrange a meeting with the relevant Minister early in the New Year.
Reliable phone service is not a luxury — it is essential for safety, business, and everyday life.
I will keep the community updated as we continue to pursue answers and action.
Tiff Galvin
Mayor, Gwydir Shire Council
