WAUCHOPE EMERGENCY CONTROL TO RECEIVE SATELLITE SERVICE

Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie says the nbn™ Disaster Satellite Service installed at Wauchope will boost the support offered to communities and emergency services personnel during emergency events.

“If mobile and fixed-line connectivity goes down in a bushfire or a flood emergency, these satellite dishes will allow continued broadband connectivity—including for voice service—to our emergency control centres,” Dr Gillespie said

Satellite dishes to provide NBN connectivity have now been installed on 100 Rural Fire Service building and evacuation centres across Australia under the $37.1 million Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) package.

“We have seen over the last 18 months how important communications services are to help emergency services and affected communities keep safe during emergencies,” Dr Gillespie said.

These satellite dishes are connected to the NBN’s Sky Muster satellites, which have coverage of all 7.7 million square kilometres of Australia and operate even when terrestrial mobile or fixed line networks fail, which will keep communities affected by natural disasters connected to broadband.

“The satellite dishes will act as a critical piece of infrastructure for emergency service workers whether in the control centre or out in the field.”

“The Government recognises the essential role of fire service depots and evacuation centres during times of crisis, which is why we committed $7 million to deliver upgraded connectivity to these locations across the country,” Dr Gillespie concluded.

To find out more about STAND visit www.communications.gov.au/STAND