Richmond Valley received an increased communications network resilience with the installation of backup NBN Sky Muster satellite services, which equips the community better for crises and natural disasters.
This work was carried out by the Coraki and Woodburn SES Units and the Lismore/Casino RFS as part of the Australian government’s Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) program.
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Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Senator Jenny McAllister said, “I am pleased the Albanese Government is listening to the community and making significant inroads toward more resilient communications infrastructure to keep local residents safe and informed.”
The federal government’s STAND initiative aims to safeguard local communities by bolstering the nation’s mobile network hardening program (MNHP), enhancing the connectivity of emergency services depots and evacuation centers, and enhancing the portability of communications infrastructure.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said, “The projects in the Richmond Valley are among over one thousand delivered so far under the program, with the remaining projects to be completed later this year.”
The measures under the program is intended to save lives and lessen the destruction caused by natural disasters.
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“While no network can ever be 100 per cent disaster-proof, these investments will go a long way towards ensuring local residents can stay connected in the most difficult times, especially to access potentially lifesaving information and advice,” Rowland said.
The satellite systems being deployed across the nation at emergency service depots and community evacuation centers will provide backup and alternative communication facilities.
These initiatives will help ensure that emergency services serving communities in the Richmond Valley have access to the NBN’s Sky Muster satellite service during natural disasters when terrestrial networks are destroyed or unavailable.
“These projects are a major boost for communities in the Richmond Valley and will help ensure we minimise the risk of local communications network disruptions when natural disasters strike,” McAllister said.
Source: Ministry for Climate Change and Energy Media Releases
Jaw de Guzman is the content producer for Comms Room, a knowledge platform and website aimed at assisting the communications industry and its professionals.