QLD gov backs $1.25 million Starlink satellite to remote areas

The Queensland government has backed a $1.25 million Rapid Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite Deployment Program in efforts to bridge the digital divide across remote discrete First Nations communities.

On Wednesday the state government said the satellite deployment program provides satellite equipment, installation and service to remote areas most in need of the gear.

It’s intended to enable First Nations councils to use the LEO satellite connectivity “in high priority community locations, providing remote areas with more effective and reliable fixed broadband coverage.”

The government said its Customer and Digital Group is “addressing digital exclusion in Queensland’s discrete First Nations communities through a satellite funding program.”

“The program will provide rapid, targeted improvements to digital connectivity in these communities while longer-term, larger infrastructure projects are delivered to increase digital inclusion,” the statement said.

The Queensland government also said, “The program empowers councils through the deployment of Starlink satellite technology in isolated First Nations communities.

“The program is a collaboration between the Queensland Government and the Local Government Association of Queensland,” the statement said.

Seventeen Indigenous councils will each receive a funding allocation of $45,000.

The councils include Aurukun, Cherbourg, Doomadgee, Hope Vale and Kowanyama, Lockhart River, Mapoon, Mornington, Napranum, Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council, Palm Island, Pormpuraaw, Torres Shire Council, Torres Strait Island, Woorabinda Aboriginal, Wujal Wujal, and Yarrabah.

The program also forms part of a collaboration with the Local Government Association of Queensland.

The state has also committed $120 million to the Digital Economy Strategy Action Plan to improve digital connectivity across the state over the next three years.

Minister for transport and main roads and minister for digital services Bart Mellish said, "Closing the gap through digital inclusion is a priority as we recognise the importance of First Nations rural and remote communities having equal levels of digital access and being included.”

Cherbourg Aboriginal shire council mayor Bruce Simpson said, “Better connectivity means increasing digital literacy and better access to services that our community rely on online.

“It opens up digital opportunities for our children, including reliable access to education for school assignments through to university courses and distance education.

“Let’s continue to open the right doors together,” Simpson added.

Local Government Association of Queensland chief executive officer Alison Smith also said, “Every community deserves to be a livable one and that means reliable, affordable and available digital connectivity.

“We cannot expect to make progress on closing the gap until First Nations communities and councils have the same internet and phone services that allow for everyday, modern day connections – to make emergency calls for help, keep in contact with loved ones, let kids complete their research homework, or families shop for better deals online in the cost-of-living crisis,” Smith said.