More communication trailers rolled out in Qld

The Queensland Government is seeking to strengthen disaster resilience in the state, with three more satellite-powered ARNI communication trailers rolled out across Far North Queensland last month. This brings the total number of ARNI communication trailers deployed across Far North Queensland to five — with the first two units having been delivered in November last year — meaning remote communities will be even better connected during severe weather events including floods and cyclones.

Powered by high-capacity battery systems and Starlink satellite technology, the AirBridge Rapid Network Infrastructure (ARNI) communication trailers can be rapidly deployed to disaster-affected communities, restoring internet and communications within minutes. 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 have failed.

Speaking back in November, Queensland Minister for Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said the ARNI units would allow SES responders to restore essential communication in communities cut off during cyclones, flooding or severe weather. He explained at the time, “When a cyclone or flood isolates a community, SES volunteers can tow a unit into the affected area and establish a temporary communication hub within minutes.”

Purdie has since described the units as “much more than communications trailers — they’re mobile emergency operations centres that help emergency crews coordinate their response while keeping isolated communities connected”.

The latest trailers were 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 kg 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.

“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,” Purdie said.

Deputy Police Commissioner for Disaster and Emergency Management Chris Stream said the value of the ARNI trailers was demonstrated during the 2025–26 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,” Stream said.

“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.”

Member for Barron River Bree James said the initiative showcased local innovation, with ARNI developer AirBridge Networks being based in the Cairns suburb of Smithfield.

“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,” she said.

Member for Mulgrave Terry James concluded that the investment would further strengthen disaster preparedness across the region.

“Far North Queenslanders know better than anyone how quickly severe weather can isolate communities,” James said.

“These new communications trailers and heavy-lift drone mean emergency responders will be better equipped than ever to support isolated communities and deliver critical supplies when disaster strikes.”

Images courtesy Queensland Police Service (QPS).