Joint media release: Australian Government delivers increased communications network resilience in the Richmond Valley

The Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications
Senator the Hon Jenny McAllister, Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy

Communities in the Richmond Valley, NSW in Page are now better prepared for emergencies and natural disasters following the installation of backup NBN Sky Muster satellite services under the Australian Government’s Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) program at the Coraki and Woodburn SES Units, and the Lismore/Casino RFS.

The Australian Government is protecting communities through the STAND program by investing in improved connectivity for emergency services depots and evacuation centres, improved telecommunications resilience under the Mobile Network Hardening Program (MNHP), and portable communications facilities across the country. All of these measures will help to 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. These projects will help ensure emergency services supporting communities in the Richmond Valley can remain connected through NBN’s Sky Muster satellite service during times of disaster when land-based networks are damaged or offline.

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.

For more information on the 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 projects in the Richmond Valley are among over one thousand delivered so far under the program, with the remaining projects to be completed later this year.

“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 Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Senator The Hon Jenny McAllister:

“Staying connected during a natural disaster can be the difference between life and death, whether that be receiving the latest information or contacting emergency services.

“These projects are a major boost for communities in the Richmond Valley and will help ensure we minimise the risk of local communications network disruptions when natural disasters strike.

“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."