- Crisafulli Government is delivering on its election commitment to strengthen emergency capability in remote communities.
- Two new satellite-powered ARNI trailers delivered to the Far Northern SES to restore communications during natural disasters.
- Communications infrastructure provides certainty for residents, businesses, and emergency services during severe weather.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for Queensland after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on a key election commitment with two new satellite-powered ARNI communication trailers rolled out to bolster disaster readiness across Far North Queensland.
It's just one of the ways the Crisafulli Government is delivering for Queensland, with the investment ensuring remote communities are no longer left in the dark when severe weather strikes.
The Airbridge Resilient Network Infrastructure (ARNI) trailers, powered by high-capacity battery systems and Starlink satellite technology, provide rapid deployment of stable internet and Voice over Internet Protocol connectivity when traditional networks fail.
The units allow responders to re-establish communication hubs during cyclones, flooding, or severe weather events.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the rollout was a clear sign the Crisafulli Government was getting on with the job of fixing years of Labor neglect in disaster communication capability.
"For too long, remote Queensland communities were left without the basic communications they needed because Labor simply didn't prioritise them, but the Crisafulli Government is changing that," Minister Purdie said.
"These new ARNI units mean SES volunteers can restore essential communications within minutes when a cyclone or flood cuts a community off.
"This is exactly the kind of practical, frontline support Queenslanders expect, and it's what we're delivering.
"We promised to strengthen disaster communications in the State's most vulnerable areas, and today's delivery shows we're keeping that promise."
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 communities 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.
"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.
"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."
