The Albanese Government is prioritising safety and connectivity for natural disaster-prone communities.
It has committed an additional $14 million to extend critical community Wi-Fi services at evacuation centres across Australia. The Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) program has already installed NBN Co. Sky Muster satellite connections to 1068 locations Australia-wide. Interactive map available here.
This includes emergency sites across areas in northern New South Wales and south east Queensland which were impacted during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
“The safety of Australians is the number one priority of the Albanese Government – particularly during natural disasters which are becoming more frequent and severe,” says Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP.
“Resilient communications and broadcasting networks are vital for keeping communities safe, informed, and connected during emergencies. It can be the difference between life and death.”
The additional $14 million will add community Wi-Fi capability to a further 500 emergency sites, and extend services at existing sites for an additional four years, beyond 2025.
The Albanese Government will work closely with states and territories to prioritise disaster-prone areas that do not have emergency connectivity solutions to ensure this investment delivers where it is most needed.
“Hundreds of thousands of people, homes and businesses in southern Queensland and northern NSW were left without power in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred,” she adds.
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“Sky Muster satellite internet services can operate off a portable generator even when local ground-based communications networks are down – keeping communities connected when they need it most.”
Since coming to office, the Albanese Government has committed more than $340 million to improve mobile coverage, connectivity and the resilience of communications networks against natural disasters.
This includes through the Mobile Network Hardening Program, the Telecommunications Disaster Resilience Innovation Program, and the Broadcasting Resilience Program, with more than 900 resilience projects delivered this term, and many more to come.
“Whether it’s to call a loved one or get the latest information from an alert, staying connected during a disaster can be critical,” comments Minister for Emergency Services, Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister.
“This $14 million investment to expand STAND will help more communities stay safe and informed at evacuation centres even if the main communications network goes down.”
“While no network is ever 100 per cent disaster-proof, the Albanese Government is determined to do what we can to improve the resilience of communications networks against natural disasters.”
A re-elected Albanese Government will also introduce legislation for a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) in 2025. This world-leading reform will provide near continent-wide outdoor mobile coverage, essential during emergencies and natural disasters which disrupt power and land-based networks.
Adrianne Saplagio is a Content Producer at Comms Room, where she combines her passion for storytelling with her expertise in multimedia content creation. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for engaging audiences, Adrianne has been instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that resonate across various digital platforms.
