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People living in Cobram and Strathmerton are one step closer to accessing the National Broadband Network.

Moira Shire Council will call for submissions to a proposed lease with the National Broadband Network Company to occupy part of the telecommunications tower and land in Station St, Cobram and part of the land within Strathmerton Recreation Reserve.

NBN Co is designed to provide high-speed broadband internet access to all areas of Australia with a combination of fibre, fixed wireless and satellite technologies.

Cobram and Strathmerton will have fixed wireless technology.

At the Cobram site it is proposed to install the equipment on the existing tower at 30m and 33m and to extend the size of the existing compound beneath the tower to construct an outdoor electrical cabinet.

At Strathmerton a new 40m high tower and a fenced compound is proposed.

Cr Alex Monk encouraged people to make a submission to the proposal — whether in favour or against it.

The council discussed the proposal at its meeting at Tungamah on Monday night.

‘‘This is very proactive and sits very much in line with the council plan,’’ Cr Monk said.

Cr Wendy Buck said the widespread nature of the broadband towers was encouraging.

‘‘It is encouraging to see the NBN roll-out to our smaller communities, and it’s wonderful to see Strathmerton included as well,’’ she said.

Mayor Brian Keenan said he hoped the towers would be corella-proof.

NBN Co has investigated seven sites in the shire and three of these sites are on council-owned or Crown land for which council is the committee of management.

NBN Co has provided a draft lease with a 20-year term for consideration. All associated costs and leases are to be borne by the NBN Co.

The council moved to enter a lease with NBN Co for part of the telecommunications tower and land at 26 Belmore St, Yarrawonga.

●What do you think? Share your thoughts in a submission to the council. Join the conversation on Cobram Courier’s Facebook page or write a letter to the editor.