Shadow Minister for Fire and Emergency Services Dale Last, Pat Willcocks, candidate for Barron River Bree James, AirBridge managing director Doug Stephens and candidate for Cook David Kempton inspect one of the emergency communication trailers the Liberal National Party says it will provide to 10 communities if it wins government on 26 October. Photo: Supplied.
COMMUNITIES on south-eastern Cape York devastated by the Tropical Cyclone Jasper flood event in December 2023 will be among 10 between Kuranda and Hope Vale to receive new communication units if the Liberal National Party (LNP) wins this weekend’s state election.
The state-of-the-art trailers dubbed ARNI – AirBridge Resilient Network Infrastructure – will be supplied by Far North Queensland operator AirBridge and LNP candidate for Cook David Kempton said the $1.5 million election pledge meant “residents, businesses and emergency workers have the level of reliable connectivity and communication required” during natural disasters and communication failures.
“These standalone units can be mobilised following any natural disaster, such as a cyclone, flooding or fire, to provide instant communication,” Mr Kempton said.
“After Jasper, stories emerged of people being stuck on rooftops, people in medical emergencies and people not being able to contact loved ones for days.
“With these units, communication failure will become a thing of the past during and after disaster events.”
AirBridge managing director Doug Stephens described ARNI “regional Australia’s best defence” in terms of communication.
The ARNI system was developed by the Smithfield-based outfit with the help of a $75,000 grant through the inaugural round of the State Government’s Ignite Spark Program earlier this year.
The state-of-the-art trailers will help keep communities connected during natural disasters. Photo: Supplied.
