Starlink satellite initiative bringing immediate relief to digitally excluded First Nations communities
The Queensland Government Customer and Digital Group (QGCDG) is delivering on its commitment to bridge the digital divide in Queensland’s discrete First Nations communities, with its $1.25 million Rapid Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite Deployment Program providing satellite equipment, installation and service to remote areas most in need.
The Starlink satellite program is being delivered in 17 Indigenous Councils, including 11 in the Cook electorate, with each community identified in the program receiving a funding allocation of $45,000.
The program, a partnership with the Local Government Association of Queensland, is enabling discrete First Nations councils to utilise LEO satellite connectivity in high priority community locations, providing remote areas with more effective and reliable fixed broadband coverage.
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 Miles Government is committing $120 million to the Digital Economy Strategy Action Plan to improve digital connectivity across the state over the next three years, said Minister for Transport and Main Roads and Minister for Digital Services Bart Mellish:
"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.
Local Government Association of Queensland Chief Executive Officer Alison Smith thanked the Satate Government for the funding.
“Every community deserves to be a livable one and that means reliable, affordable and available digital connectivity,” she said.
“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 every day, 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.
Cook electorate Councils where the Starlink program will be delivered:
- Aurukun Shire Council
- Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council
- Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council
- Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council
- Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council
- Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council
- Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council
- Pormpuraaw Aboriginal Shire Council
- Torres Shire Council
- Torres Strait Island Regional Council
- Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council
