The Queensland Police Service (QPS) provided the Far Northern Region SES with two new satellite powered Airbridge Resilient Network Infrastructure (ARNI) communication trailers today, the first step to delivering the Queensland Government's election commitment to improve disaster communications in remote communities.
The ARNI units are self-contained and self-powered communication trailers fitted with high capacity battery storage satellite equipment and managed WiFi systems.
Each unit harnesses Starlink satellite technology to restore stable internet and Voice over Internet Protocol connectivity to multiple devices if traditional mobile networks fail.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services the Hon Dan Purdie said the rollout of the ARNI units to the Cairns SES strengthened disaster readiness in the region at the top of cyclone season.
"The two new ARNI units provided by the QPS will allow SES responders to restore essential communication in communities cut off during cyclones flooding or severe weather," Minister Purdie said.
"When a cyclone or flood isolates a community, SES volunteers can tow a unit into the affected area and establish a temporary communication hub within minutes," he said.
"The delivery of the units to the SES today is a strong step in our election commitment to strengthen disaster response capability in Queensland's most vulnerable communities."
Deputy Commissioner Disaster and Emergency Management Chris Stream said the units provided the SES with the ability to restore core communication to residents, responders and local leaders during times of emergency.
"The equipment is designed to be towed directly into an isolated area and activated quickly, which is essential in communities impacted by weather events," Deputy Commissioner Stream said.
"With the arrival of Cyclone Fina in the top end last week, we're now officially in cyclone season, making this additional capability perfectly timed to ensure our remote and regional communities are prepared if weather conditions deteriorate."
SES Far Northern Regional Director Wayne Coutts said allocating the trailers to the Far Northern SES ensured they could be deployed rapidly when and where Queenslanders needed them most.
"We live in a time when remote and regional communties rely heavily on mobile networks to receive information, contact critical service providers and check in with friends and family during weather events," Mr Coutts said.
"If traditional networks fail during a cyclone or flood it is vital that information continues to reach the community as well as to our volunteers coordinating a response at the frontline," he said.
"If traditional communication options go offline during a disaster, these units give us a vital alternative to ensure regional Queenslanders can receive the help they need," Mr Coutts said.
"This project demonstrated strong cooperation between the QPS and SES to ensure Queenslanders in regional and remote communities were able to stay connected when it counts."
