Three new Airbridge Resilient Network Infrastructure (ARNI) trailers are rolling out across the Far North, bringing the total number in the region to five. Photo: ARNI.
Vulnerable communities across Far North Queensland will benefit from several new Airbridge Resilient Network Infrastructure (ARNI) trailers ensuring vital communication links remain operational in the face of wild weather and natural disasters.
The trailers are rolling out alongside a heavy-duty disaster delivery drone.
Queensland’s State Emergency Service (SES) has welcomed the arrival of three new ARNI communication trailers, as well as the new specialist drone, to bolster the region’s disaster response capabilities.
The Far Northern Region branch of the SES, based at a regional HQ in Cairns, covers Cardwell in the southeast to the Torres Strait in the north and the Gulf of Carpentaria in the west.
About 1150 volunteers and staff operating in more than 50 groups prepare for and respond to emergencies in the massive coverage area, which includes many isolated communities with limited services.
The self-managed ARNI trailers feature advanced Starlink satellite equipment, Wi-Fi systems and high capacity batteries. They act as a speedy back up when usual networks are down and communities would otherwise be left cut off.
There were already two trailers in the region, which were deployed in November last year.
Queensland Police deputy commissioner for disaster and emergency management Chris Stream said the ARNI trailers proved their worth during the 2025-26 wet season.
“The Far North is no stranger to severe weather and the communication impacts it brings,” he said.
“The value of the ARNI trailers has been demonstrated during the past higher risk weather season, particularly during tropical cyclones Koji and Narelle.
Queensland Police deputy commissioner for disaster and emergency management Chris Stream. Photo: Supplied.
“The trailers were able to be deployed to remote communities of Cooktown and Wujal Wujal to support multiple activations.
“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.”
More than 12 per cent (494) of almost 4000 tasks carried out by the SES across the state this year have been in Far North Queensland. Most of the regional call outs were due to flooding, building damage, debris, and downed trees.
SES acting chief officer Danny Baade said the region was one of the most severe weather-prone parts of Queensland and it was important to have equipment like the trailers able to be deployed at a moment’s notice.
“Should traditional telecommunications services fail during a severe weather event we need to ensure that vital information, warnings and communications can still reach isolated communities, and that emergency responders – including police and SES members – can continue to coordinate their response,” he said.
“These trailers are designed to be deployed where they are needed most. They can be towed directly into impacted communities and provide a communications link within minutes, ensuring residents and emergency responders remain connected when traditional telecommunications infrastructure has been disrupted.”
The Far Northern Region is also coming to grips with a new DJI Flycart 100 Drone – and is one of the first emergency services agencies in the country to do so.
SES Far Northern regional director Wayne Coutts described the Flycart 100 as a state-of-the-art, heavy-duty industrial drone. The machine features a winch, which can carry up to 80 kilograms, and will be used for deliveries during disasters.
“We will now be able to fly more supplies into communities isolated during disasters,” Mr Coutts said.
“Whether it’s food, water, equipment or other supplies, this is a game-changer for disaster response in Queensland. Drones are increasingly becoming used in the SES’s disaster response.
“Since July 2025, drones have completed more than 300 operations across the state, supporting the SES in search and rescue operations, flood response, storm damage reconnaissance, and resupply.
The McLeod River near Mount Carbine more than a week after Cyclone Jasper hit on December 4, 2023. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
“The Flycart and ARNI units are a major boost in our ability to keep Queenslanders safe during some of their toughest times.
Police Minister Dan Purdie said: “When disaster strikes, being able to connect with loved ones, access information and coordinate emergency assistance can be critical.”
“These additional ARNI units are much more than communications trailers – they’re mobile emergency operations centres that help emergency crews coordinate their response while keeping isolated communities connected,” he said.
“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.”
Original Article published by Luke Mortimer on Region Tropical North Queensland.
