February 28 2022 highlighted a number of glaring operational weaknesses when it comes to responding to a natural disaster, not just in the Northern Rivers but lessons that can be used across the country. Lessons like emergency services rescue coordination, immediate emergency accommodation and communication.

During a time when we are sometimes considered overconnected, you would think communication should not be a problem. However, as we now know, when the communication system is overloaded it can fail, just when people need it the most. It is not good enough when families are stuck on their roof trying to call 000 or the SES looking to be rescued, looking to tell someone where they are and what their situation is.

Today, the Assistant Minister for Climate Change and Energy Jenny McAllister was in Lismore with Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin today to announce an improved communication plan following the installation of backup NBN Sky Muster satellite services under the Australian Government’s Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) program at the Coraki and Woodburn SES Units, and the Lismore/Casino RFS.

(Memebr for Lismore Janelle Saffin describes how the water rushed over the CBD levee wall to Senator Jenny McAllister. Photo: Simon Mumford)

Residents are now better prepared than they were for emergencies and natural disasters as emergency services such as SES and RFS, Police, Fire and Rescue have a backup system should the main telecommunication lines fail.

Senator McAllister told the Lismore App, "The four sites that were announced today, Coraki, Woodburn, Kyogle and Casino, provide access for the first responders operating out of the emergency services facilities."

"They serve as a form of redundancy should the main communication network go down and what that means is first responders in those sites have access to satellite communications."

This latest improvement was a feature in the Royal Commission into bushfires and the origins of the STAND program lie in those recommendations. But what about access for residents stuck on their roof waiting to be rescued, is that a further improvement that is coming?

"There are a range of investments that we'll need to make to what's described as hardened telecommunications infrastructure against natural disasters. One of the consequences of climate change, regrettably, is that we are likely to have more natural disasters and that will be more frequent and more intense."

"We know that that's going to require a lot of investment in resilience, preparing communities for these kinds of events. Telecommunication improvements will be part of that that."

"There's a significant amount of money in the most recent budget and the Federal Communications Minister, Minister Rowland, is presently thinking about the nature and the rollout of that program but there is significant resources specifically allocated for strengthening disaster resilience."

The Federal Government says that all of these measures will help to save lives and reduce the impact of natural disasters on the community.

The satellite services being deployed at emergency service depots and community evacuation centres across the country will provide backup and alternative communications facilities. These projects will help ensure emergency services supporting communities in the Richmond Valley can remain connected through NBN’s Sky Muster satellite service during times of disaster when land-based networks are damaged or offline.

STAND-funded assets have proven to be effective in supporting local communities during natural disasters, including the 2022 East Coast Floods in New South Wales and Queensland, the December 2021 and January 2022 Western Australia bushfires, Cyclone Seroja, the June 2021 Victorian and Ingham, Queensland floods.

For more information on the STAND program, go to www.infrastructure.gov.au/stand

The Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP said, "“The Albanese Government is committed to delivering the investments and infrastructure which local communities need to be better prepared for natural disasters.

“The projects in the Richmond Valley are among over one thousand delivered so far under the program, with the remaining projects to be completed later this year.

“While no network can ever be 100 per cent disaster-proof, these investments will go a long way towards ensuring local residents can stay connected in the most difficult times, especially to access potentially lifesaving information and advice”.