Disaster communications and response in Far North Queensland have been boosted by a doubling of satellite communication capabilities and the acquisition of an industrial drone.
The State Emergency Service has taken possession of three new Airbridge Resilient Network Infrastructure (ARNI) communications trailers and a DJI Flycart 100 Drone, one of the first of its kind available to emergency services in Australia.
Queensland Police Deputy Commissioner for Disaster and Emergency Management Chris Stream said the ARNI trailers provided reliable satellite communication access to isolated communities during emergencies.
Deputy Commissioner Stream said the self-contained, self-powered units feature high-capacity battery storage, advanced satellite equipment, and self-managed WiFi systems, ensuring critical communication links remained operational when traditional networks were down.
He said the three new trailers were in addition to two already deployed to the region in November last year.
“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.”
SES Far Northern Regional Director Wayne Coutts said the Flycart 100 drone was a state-of-the-art, heavy-duty industrial drone and, complete with a winch, would 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.
“The Flycart and ARNI units are a major boost in our ability to keep Queenslanders safe during some of their toughest times.”
