Residents of Menindee and the Sunset Strip can now register for free connection to a new high-speed Fibre to the Premises network, as announced by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

More than 800 homes and businesses across Menindee will be eligible for a fibre internet connection, with premises along Menindee Lakes Sunset Strip also set to benefit.

The project is part of the NSW Government's $250 million investment in digital infrastructure to future-proof connectivity for rural, regional, and remote NSW communities, funded through the Regional Digital Connectivity program with money from the Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund.

The new fibre network replaces the unreliable and limited internet currently available and will ensure these communities have reliable infrastructure and affordable, high-speed internet services.

Eligible residents need to register their contact details so they can be contacted by telecommunications infrastructure provider Opticomm to arrange installation at their address.

Central Darling Shire Council General Manager Greg Hill welcomed the announcement, saying "Central Darling Shire welcomes this new agreement, which will deliver high-speed and reliable internet for the community of Menindee and residents along Sunset Strip".

"Menindee residents and businesses will be able to keep pace with the digital world through faster downloads, seamless streaming, and reliable access to government or online health services," Mr Hill said.

The initiative represents a significant upgrade for the region, bringing metropolitan equivalent services to rural NSW and bridging the digital divide. Currently, many residents rely on satellite internet services that can be unreliable and limited in speed and data allowances.

Independent State Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, highlighted the importance of improved connectivity for regional communities.

"Poor connectivity out West has many trickle-down impacts in regional and remote communities. When we cannot connect, we lose business, tourism, education, and telehealth opportunities, which are lifelines to places like Menindee", Mr Butler said.

The new fibre network will provide potential speeds of up to 8 gigabits per second and give residents access to over 40 internet service providers, allowing them to select an affordable internet plan that suits their needs.

Opticomm will commence detailed planning over the coming months and will engage with each community about when the new internet improvements will occur. The project is expected to be completed in late 2026.

The improved connectivity will support various community needs including:

• Students engaged in home-based learning
• Adults seeking employment or online education opportunities
• Businesses requiring faster access for cloud computing and teleconferencing
• Enhanced family entertainment options
• Improved connections with loved ones and the broader community
• Access to telehealth services
• Government service access

Menindee, located on the banks of the Darling River within Central Darling Shire, is one of four main communities in the largest shire in NSW. The relative ease of access to water from the Darling River and Menindee Lakes Storage Scheme enables local producers to grow a large variety of crops and fruits, and the improved internet connectivity will support agricultural businesses with better access to online services and markets.

Registration information is available on the Central Darling Shire Council website in the news section, and residents can also contact the Menindee Council office for further details.

For more information about the Opticomm internet connectivity project, visit www.opticomm.com.au