Local councils in disaster-prone regions will benefit from an extra $14 million in federal funding to expand emergency Wi-Fi coverage at evacuation centres.
The funding, announced under the Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) program, will extend satellite-backed community Wi-Fi services to an additional 500 emergency sites across Australia. It will also support ongoing services at existing sites for another four years beyond the current 2025 cut-off.
To date, more than 1,000 sites nationwide have been equipped with Sky Muster satellite connections as part of the STAND scheme.
The federal government says the expansion will be guided by collaboration with states and territories, with priority given to communities lacking reliable emergency connectivity.
Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland says communications infrastructure plays a vital role during emergencies.
“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,” Rowland said.
“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.”
Minister for Emergency Services, Senator Jenny McAllister, says that staying connected during a disaster can be critical.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
