General News
2 December, 2025
FNQ’s satellite lifelines
TWO new Airbridge Resilient Network Infrastructure (ARNI) trailers designed to boost Far North Queensland’s resilience during significant weather events have been unveiled in Cairns.
The specialised mobile recovery trailers, now stationed at Manunda, will support communities cut off by floods, storms and cyclones, providing critical supplies such as satellite communications, power, lighting, water purification, refrigeration and battery charging.
Police and Emergency Services Dan Purdie said that recent disasters, especially Cyclone Jasper, showed the urgent need for new tools.
“Places like Cairns know all too well the disasters that high-risk weather seasons can bring. They also know how important it is to make sure communities stay informed and connected with their loved ones and emergency personnel,” he said.
“That’s why it’s great to announce the delivery of two brand-new ARNI trailers to Cairns. These are state-of-the-art units, connected to Starlink, long-life batteries, off-road capability and first-aid facilities.”
Mr Purdie said the trailers were part of a broader investment in preparedness across the state.
“As we saw during Cyclone Jasper, communities can be offline for some time and we know every second matters when it comes to disasters. This investment will save lives,” he said.
Cairns Local News asked Mr Purdie what lessons the SES had learned from Cyclone Jasper.
“Cairns and Far North Queensland SES are probably the best and most experienced in the country, and that’s unfortunate, because this region experiences more disasters than most,” he said. “Our SES and frontline personnel and all of those who have worked for Chris Stream, as the state disaster coordinator, are experienced and have done a lot of work in the off-season.”
Barron River MP Bree James said she saw firsthand the devastation of the Jasper floods.
“Families couldn’t ring anyone because the phone lines were down and mobile reception was lost,” he said.
“It was also difficult for first responders to communicate with each other and communications were a really big problem. That’s why I campaigned hard for funding during the election for these trailers,” she said.
