Coverage issues hamper council meeting at Curlewis

The advancement of AI-powered scientific discovery shows how far technology has come in recent years but towns in the Gunnedah region still can’t access basic services like reliable internet or mobile coverage.

This lack of communication services at Curlewis forced the postponement of this week’s scheduled Gunnedah Shire Council meeting at the village.

The March ordinary meeting of council was due to be held at the Curlewis Community Hall.

The alternate venue hosted by the Curlewis Progress Association was one of just two meetings scheduled this year to be held in the Gunnedah shire villages.

Piallaway Hall is also due to host a meeting in September.

But due the requirement for audio-visual connection for councillors unable to attend the meeting in-person, the Curlewis meeting has been postponed until all elected representatives are available to meet face-to-face.

“There was a requirement for some councillors to attend the March meeting by audio-visual link, which is permitted under the Code of Meeting Practice,” a council spokesperson said.

“The hall at Curlewis does not have a reliable internet connection that can be used. Following advice from the Curlewis Progress Association, council determined it would be appropriate to move the meeting back to Gunnedah.

“We intend to look at holding a meeting at Curlewis when we can determine some suitable dates where all councillors can attend in person.”