Gympie is one of several regional Queensland Shire Councils who can better rely on their internet connectivity in times of natural disasters following fixed wireless tower infrastructure project advancements.
nbn Fixed Wireless infrastructure has been bolstered through the installation of Hybrid Power Cubes that can maintain power and internet connectivity during times of natural or other disasters.
The completion of the $4.4 million nbn Hybrid Power Cube Project was funded under the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants Program (BSBR).
The grant funded the development and installation of 33 Hybrid Power Cubes at Fixed Wireless Installations across the Gympie, Whitsunday, Fraser Coast, North Burnett and Bundaberg Regional Councils.
A hybrid power cube is an environmentally friendly, hybrid technology power generation unit combining solar panels, battery, and a compact diesel generator. It provides solar power to Fixed Wireless hub sites during the day and, for power resilience, relies on excess battery and grid power at night.
Head of nbn local QLD Kylie Lindsay said the completion of the project ahead of the 2023 summer bushfire season will help bolster local network resiliency.
Cubes will be installed at 11 locations across the Gympie Local Government Area and these include:
* Araluen North
* Banks Pocket East
* Canina
* Curra Central
* Curra South
* Glastonbury
* Goomboorian North
* Greens Creek South
* Tamaree South
* The Palms
* Tuchekoi
Minister for Emergency Management, Senator Murray Watt, said the advancement will save lives.
“So many communities across Queensland, and the country, know all too well the impacts that natural disasters can have. Access to information and communication is vital in such times,” Senator Watt said.
“By ensuring they can better rely on their internet connectivity during emergencies, this project makes communities safer and more resilient in the face of adversity.”
