Rapid LEO Deployment Program

The Queensland Government Customer and Digital Group is delivering on its commitment to bridge the digital divide in discrete First Nations communities across Queensland through the Rapid Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Deployment Program and has to date provided funding for 42 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite dishes to 10 Indigenous councils.

The program will enable discrete First Nations councils to establish LEO satellite connectivity in high priority locations, providing more effective and reliable fixed broadband coverage.

The Queensland Government has committed a total of $1.25 million to the Rapid LEO Deployment program, which aims to provide improved digital infrastructure for an interim period while larger infrastructure projects are delivered to increase digital inclusion. Funding of $45,000 has been allocated for each community (more for the Torres Strait region), which will provide approximately 5 satellite dishes for each location.

The funding program is a partnership between the Queensland Government Customer and Digital Group and the Local Government Association of Queensland, who is overseeing council applications and distribution of funding for the Starlink satellite dishes.

Council applications that have received approval for funding so far are:

• Aurukun
• Cherbourg
• Doomadgee
• Kowanyama
• Mapoon
• Mornington Island
• Napranum
• Palm Island
• Torres Shire
• Yarrabah

Email firstnationsdigitalprogram@chde.qld.gov.au for more information.