- The Queensland Government Customer and Digital Group is proactively addressing digital exclusion in Queensland's discrete First Nations communities through a satellite funding program.
- The program empowers councils through the deployment of Starlink satellite technology in isolated First Nations communities.
- The program is a collaboration between the Queensland Government and the Local Government Association of Queensland.
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, 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.
As stated by the 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.
"The Miles Government is proud to be working with the Local Government Association of Queensland on this important initiative and has provided $1.25 million funding to allow immediate digital connectivity.
"In recognition of the importance of improving digital technology across the state, the Miles Government has committed $120 million over the next three years through Our Thriving Digital Future Queensland Digital Economy Strategy Action Plan."
As stated by Minister Treaty, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Minister for Communities Leeanne Enoch:
"This program provides councils in discrete First Nations communities immediate access to vital digital technology that will radically improve their ability to serve the residents of their community.
"The Miles' Government's investment in the LEO Satellite initiative is providing rapid solutions to enable remote families better connectivity with loved ones, and better access to everyday services."
As stated by Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Bruce Simpson:
"Better connectivity means increasing digital literacy and better access to services that our community rely on online.
"It opens up digital opportunities for our children, including reliable access to education for school assignments through to university courses and distance education.
"Let's continue to open the right doors together."
As stated by Local Government Association of Queensland Chief Executive Officer Alison Smith:
"Every community deserves to be a livable one and that means reliable, affordable and available digital connectivity.
"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.
"We thank the State Government for providing this funding to help councils better serve their communities."
