Digitally excluded First Nations communities supported through satellite initiative

Callan Morse Published June 5, 2024 at 3.10pm (AWST)

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Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor Bruce Simpson says improved connectivity means increasing digital literacy and better access to services for remote First Nations communities. (Image: Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council/Facebook)

The digital divide experienced by First Nations communities in Queensland is set to be tackled through a joint satellite connectivity initiative.

The partnership between the Local Government Association of Queensland and the Queensland government will see Starlink satellite technology delivered in 17 Indigenous Councils, areas identified as high priority community locations across the state.

The $1.25 million Rapid Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Satellite Deployment Program will provide satellite equipment, installation and service to remote areas most in need, delivering more effective and reliable fixed broadband coverage.

A commitment of the Queensland Government Customer and Digital Group, the program will provide rapid, targeted improvements to digital connectivity in First Nations communities while longer term, larger infrastructure projects are delivered to increase digital inclusion.

Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council Mayor, Bruce Simpson, said improved digital connectivity will improve the lives of First Nations peoples living in remote communities.

"Better connectivity means increasing digital literacy and better access to services that our community rely on online," Mr Simpson said.

"It opens up digital opportunities for our children, including reliable access to education for school assignments through to university courses and distance education.

Each community identified through the program is set to receive a funding allocation of $45,000.

Queensland Minister for Treaty, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Minister for Communities, Leeanne Enoch, said the Queensland Government's investment in LEO Satellite technology will providing rapid solutions to enable remote families better connectivity with loved ones, and better access to everyday services.

"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," Ms Enoch said.

The Queensland Government has committed $120 million to its Digital Economy Strategy Action Plan to improve digital connectivity across the state over the next three years.

Queensland Minister for Digital Services, Bart Mellish, said the Queensland Government is proud to be working with the Local Government Association of Queensland on the important initiative.

"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," Mr Mellish said.

Local Government Association of Queensland CEO, Alison Smith said every community deserves to be a liveable one with 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," Ms Smith Said.

First Nations council grant recipients whose communities are experiencing significant levels of digital exclusion

Aurukun Shire Council

Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council

Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council

Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council

Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council

Lockhart River Aboriginal Shire Council

Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council

Mornington Shire Council

Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council

Northern Peninsula Area Regional Council

Palm Island Aboriginal Shire Council