In a timely, pre-wet season announcement the LNP have promised to install 10, “state of the art” emergency communications units from Kuranda to Hopevale if they win government later this month.

Developed by Smithfield-based tech firm AirBridge Networks, the mobile AirBridge Resilient Network Infrastructure (ARNI) units use satellite technology to enable emergency services and community to maintain connectivity when phones, power, and internet goes down during, and after, natural disasters.

AirBridge Networks’ Founder and Managing Director Doug Stephens, a Far North Queensland local, said he and his team were, “taking the absolute best of technology as it exists today and we are putting it into ARNI – in terms of communications, this is regional Australia’s best defence.” 

LNP candidate for Cook David Kempton said the $1.5 million investment would, “ensure residents, businesses and emergency workers have the level of reliable connectivity and communication required in times of power outages or mainstream communication failures.”

“Cyclones and natural disasters are an ongoing part of life in the north,” Mr Kempton said.

The first thing to go is mainstream power and communication, there are stories of people being stuck on roofs, people experiencing medical emergencies, unable to contact loved ones and family, because the phone service and power can be out for days.”

“The ARNI is a locally built unit which can be wheeled out after a natural disaster and provides instant communication to hundreds of users. It is fully autonomous and simple to use. They are a very clever piece of kit and are a game changer when it comes to surviving natural disasters.”

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui, who has held the seat for two terms, said the Miles invested in the development of the ARNI, and was working with local government to improve disaster communications.

“The Miles Government supported development of this technology with $75,000 provided to AirBridge,” Ms Lui said.

“During the recent extreme weather event, people in the region did raise concerns about communication. Labor has already committed $1.25 million to install satellite technology to remote areas most in need.”