More ARNIs are on their way to FNQ
Disaster Readiness
Almost two years after an election commitment - and two cyclone seasons later - the Crisafulli Government is delivering three more satellite-powered ARNI communication trailers in Far North Queensland.
But it is yet to be revealed just where the ARNI communication trailers - now five of a promised 10 - will be deployed across Far North Queensland and whether the critical infrastructure will be in place to help Douglas Shire and the Cook Electorate in the event of a disaster next season.
Member for Cook David Kempton said reliable communications were essential during severe weather events.
“Reliable communication can make all the difference during a disaster,” Mr Kempton said.
“When traditional networks fail, these ARNI trailers provide a vital link for emergency services and communities, helping people access the information and support they need.”
This time last year, Mr Kempton said Douglas Shire could expect to have up to half of the first distribution of state-of-the-art ARNI emergency communications units promised by the LNP pre-election.
At the time, he indicated up to four of the 10 mobile AirBridge Resilient Network Infrastructure units, which use satellite technology to enable emergency services and community to maintain connectivity when phones, power, and internet goes down during, and after, natural disasters, strategically located between Ellis Beach and Cape Tribulation.
So far, there have been no ARNIs deployed to Douglas Shire.
Designed specifically for emergency response, the trailers also provide mobile operational support, allowing emergency crews to establish a field base and coordinate disaster operations even when power and telecommunications infrastructure has failed.
The trailers are being delivered alongside a new heavy-lift DJI FlyCart 100 drone to further strengthen disaster response capability, with the heavy-lift aircraft able to transport payloads of up to 80 kilograms into isolated or inaccessible areas.
Equipped with a winch system, it can safely deliver food, water, medical supplies, equipment and other essential items directly into disaster zones when road access is cut.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the Crisafulli Government was making Queensland safer by ensuring Far North Queensland communities remained connected during disasters.
“When disaster strikes, being able to connect with loved ones, access information and coordinate emergency assistance can be critical,” Minister Purdie said.
“These additional ARNI units are much more than communications trailers - they're mobile emergency operations centres that help emergency crews coordinate their response while keeping isolated communities connected.
“The new heavy-lift drone is another game-changing capability - whether it's delivering food, water, medical supplies or emergency equipment into isolated communities, it will help emergency responders reach Queenslanders when every minute counts.
"We're delivering on our election commitment to strengthen disaster resilience across Far North Queensland after Labor failed to make these critical investments during their decade of decline."
Member for Barron River Bree James said the initiative showcased local innovation delivering practical outcomes for Queensland communities.
“These trailers showcase the innovation and manufacturing capability we have right here in Far North Queensland," Ms James said.
“Knowing this cutting-edge equipment has been designed and built locally makes me incredibly proud, and even prouder knowing it'll help protect our communities when severe weather strikes.”
Deputy Police Commissioner for Disaster and Emergency Management Chris Stream said the impact the trailers had during the 2025-26 higher risk weather season was evident.
“The Far North is no stranger to severe weather, and the communication impacts it brings,” Deputy Commissioner Stream said.
“The value of the ARNI trailers has been demonstrated during the past higher risk weather season, particularly during Tropical Cyclones Koji and Narelle.
“The trailers were able to be deployed to remote communities of Cooktown and Wujal Wujal, to support multiple activations.
“They proved their value by helping maintain critical communications when communities were isolated, giving emergency responders another vital tool to support Queenslanders during severe weather.”
