- The Crisafulli Government has delivered the first 11 satellite communication units to Rural Fire Service Queensland brigades, marking the beginning of a statewide rollout to more than 400 brigades.
- 10 pilot satellite communication units have been deployed across the South Western, Central and Northern regions, building on the first unit delivered to Doomadgee Rural Fire Brigade.
- The Crisafulli Government's $5 million project commitment will strengthen firefighter safety, improve connectivity and support emergency response in some of Queensland's most remote communities.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering on a key election commitment, with the first satellite communication units installed for Rural Fire Service Queensland brigades as part of its commitment to strengthen frontline emergency response capability across the State.
The rollout has commenced with 11 units now delivered, including 10 pilot units across the South Western, Central and Northern regions with the first unit delivered earlier this year to Doomadgee Rural Fire Brigade.
Satellite communication technology will be installed in frontline RFSQ vehicles, improving connectivity in remote and isolated areas where traditional mobile coverage can be limited or unavailable.
The former Labor Government left Queensland's volunteer firefighters with unreliable communications, putting crews at risk when it matters most, during their decline of decline.
The satellite communication rollout complements the Crisafulli Government's broader investment in Rural Fire Service Queensland, including $20.5 million in the 2026-27 State Budget for replacement and new rural fire trucks, with more than 100 new appliances delivered across Queensland over the past year.
Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers Ann Leahy said the rollout was delivering on the Crisafulli Government's commitment to strengthen the capability of volunteer firefighters across Queensland.
"When volunteers are responding to emergencies in some of Queensland's most remote locations, additional communication options can make all the difference to their safety and operational effectiveness," Minister Leahy said.
"The Crisafulli Government is making Queensland safer by delivering the first of more than 400 satellite communication units, helping ensure our volunteers stay connected wherever they are protecting Queensland communities."
RFSQ Chief Officer Kaylene Jones said the rollout would further strengthen frontline operations as the service continues to enhance its fleet capabilities.
"Satellite connectivity provides an extra layer of safety for our frontline crews, particularly during bushfires and other emergencies where traditional communication networks may be unavailable," Chief Officer Jones said.
"Maintaining reliable communications helps our firefighters make informed decisions, improves situational awareness and supports safer operations in the field.
"As we prepare for another higher-risk bushfire period, investments like this continue to strengthen the capability of our volunteer brigades across Queensland."
