The Hon. Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications, Member for Greenway, The Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP, Minister for Environment and Water, Member for Sydney, Joint Media Release, 4 October 2022
The community of Lord Howe Island is now better prepared for emergencies and natural disasters following the installation of backup NBN Sky Muster satellite services at the Lord Howe Island State Emergency Service unit.
This installation has been funded under the Australian Government’s Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) program.
The satellite will mean that services are more resilient during natural disasters.
The Government’s Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters program will protect communities like Lord Howe during disasters, by investing in better connectivity for emergency services depots and evacuation centres and improved telecommunications resilience under the Mobile Network Hardening Program.
These investments will help to keep people connected, save lives and reduce the impact of natural disasters on the community.
The satellite services being deployed at emergency service depots and community evacuation centres across the country will provide backup and alternative communications facilities.
During times of disaster when land-based networks are damaged or offline, these projects will help ensure emergency services supporting Lord Howe Island can remain connected through NBN’s Sky Muster satellite service
STAND-funded assets have proven to be effective in supporting local communities during natural disasters, including the 2022 East Coast Floods in New South Wales and Queensland, the December 2021 and January 2022 Western Australia bushfires, Cyclone Seroja, the June 2021 Victorian and Ingham, Queensland floods.
The Australian Government is also encouraging people to be prepared for natural disasters through a public communications program, including by having a portable radio in emergency kits and notifying family members of any travel plans.
For more information on the Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) program, go to www.infrastructure.gov.au/stand
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
“The Albanese Government is committed to delivering the investments and infrastructure which local communities need to be better prepared for natural disasters.
“The project in Lord Howe Island is one of 1035 delivered so far under the program, with the remaining projects to be completed by November 2022.
“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”.
Quotes attributable to the Member for Sydney, The Hon Tanya Plibersek MP:
“Lord Howe Island is a remote paradise, and Islanders know intimately the importance of good communications services. In the past, there’s been very little telecommunications backup for when the island experiences a natural disaster like cyclones.
“Staying connected during a natural disaster can be the difference between life and death, whether that’s receiving the latest information or contacting emergency services for help.
“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.”
