Communities in Far North Queensland cut off by major disasters or severe weather will have improved connectivity, following the arrival of three new Airbridge Resilient Network Infrastructure (ARNI) communications trailers.
The State Emergency Service (SES) has welcomed the arrival of three new ARNI trailers, along with a new drone, to bolster the region's disaster response capabilities.
The ARNI trailers provide reliable satellite communication access to isolated communities during emergencies.
These self-contained, self-powered units feature high-capacity battery storage, advanced satellite equipment, and self-managed WiFi systems, ensuring critical communication links remain operational when traditional networks are down.
The three new trailers are in addition to two already deployed to the region in November 2025, further strengthening the SES's ability to support disaster-affected communities.
Deputy Commissioner for Disaster and Emergency Management, Chris Stream, said the impact the trailers had during the 2025-26 higher risk weather season was evident.
"The Far North is no stranger to severe weather, and the communication impacts it brings," Deputy Commissioner Stream said.
"The value of the ARNI trailers has been demonstrated during the past higher risk weather season, particularly during Tropical Cyclones Koji and Narelle.
"The trailers were able to be deployed to remote communities of Cooktown and Wujal Wujal, to support multiple activations.
"They proved their value by helping maintain critical communications when communities were isolated, giving emergency responders another vital tool to support Queenslanders during severe weather."
Of the almost 4,000 tasks completed by the SES across Queensland so far this year, more than 12% (494) have been in the Far North region.
Most of these call outs in FNQ related to flooding, building damage and debris and trees down.
SES Acting Chief Officer Danny Baade said it was important for one of the most weather-prone parts of
the state to have equipment such as this, ready to deploy at a moment's notice.
"Should traditional telecommunications services fail during a severe weather event, we need to ensure
that vital information, warnings and communications can still reach isolated communities, and that
emergency responders, including Police and SES members, can continue to coordinate their response,"
Acting Chief Officer Baade said.
"These trailers are designed to be deployed where they are needed most.
"They can be towed directly into impacted communities and provide a communications link within minutes,
ensuring residents and emergency responders remain connected when traditional telecommunications
infrastructure has been disrupted."
The Far Northern Region is also the proud new home of a DJI Flycart 100 Drone, one of the first of its kind
available to emergency services in Australia.
SES Far Northern Regional Director Wayne Coutts, said the Flycart 100 is a state-of-the-art, heavy-duty
industrial drone and, complete with a winch, will be used for deliveries during disasters.
"We will now be able to fly more supplies into communities isolated during disasters," Regional Director
Coutts said.
"Whether it's food, water, equipment or other supplies, this is a game changer for disaster response in
Queensland.
"Drones are increasingly becoming used in the SES's disaster response.
"Since July 2025, drones have completed more than 300 operations across the state, supporting the SES
in search and rescue operations, flood response, storm damage reconnaissance, and resupply.
"The Flycart and ARNI units are a major boost in our ability to keep Queenslanders safe during some of
their toughest times.
"The next higher risk weather season is quickly approaching, and this additional capability helps to
strengthen our team's readiness for whatever is in store for us."
For the latest information about severe weather in your area visit your local council's disaster dashboard.
Find your local dashboard here: https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/find-your-local-council
For storm and flood related property damage request SES help by using the SES Assistance QLD app on
iOS and Android, calling 132 500 or visiting 132500.qld.gov.au.
More information about preparing for and responding to severe weather can also be found at:
- Get Ready Queensland getready.qld.gov.au
- Queensland State Emergency Service Facebook page and ses.qld.gov.au
- Bureau of Meteorology bom.gov.au
- Traffic and travel information 13 19 40 or 131940.qld.gov.au
- RACQ road conditions 1300 130 595 or roadconditions.racq.com.au
- Local radio stations
- Queensland Police Service Facebook page
For life-threatening emergencies call Triple Zero (000).
For assistance with a life-threatening situation phone Triple Zero (000) immediately.
For assistance with non-life-threatening situations - such as help with a damaged roof or storm damage - phone SES on 132 500.
Keep up to date with the latest weather advice at Queensland Warnings Summary (bom.gov.au).
