Consultation open to improve resilience of telecommunications networks during disasters

The Albanese Government is delivering on its commitment to improve the resilience of our communications networks by launching consultation on the draft grant guidelines for the $50 million Telecommunications Disaster Resilience Innovation (TDRI) program from today.

The TDRI will support and accelerate the development and deployment of new, innovative technologies and solutions to address known communications issues during natural disasters.

These include telecommunications power resilience, the need for rapid emergency restoration of services, and potential for increased satellite usage in regional, remote or First Nations communities.

The Program also aims to improve the preparedness of Australia’s telecommunications networks against increasing climate risks, including against an anticipated increase in the frequency and severity of natural disasters in Australia.

The TDRI is part of the Albanese Government’s $656 million Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia funded in the October 2022 Budget.

The Program builds on the Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) programs, which successfully kept communities connected during events such as the 2022 East coast floods, Jan 2021 Ingham, Queensland floods, December 2021 and January 2022 Western Australia bushfires, Cyclone Seroja, and the June 2021 Victorian floods.

Consultation on Round 1 of the program guidelines is open until 5pm Friday 9 June 2023.

To view the draft guidelines or to make a submission, please visit  https://infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/telecommunications-disaster-resilience-innovation-program-draft-grant-opportunity-guidelines  or email TDRI@communications.gov.au

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“A key priority for the Albanese Government is to keep Australians safe.

"While no network can ever be 100 per cent disaster proof, our investments will ensure we can deliver effective solutions to address many of the telecommunications problems identified during natural disasters.

“This includes aiming for reduced instances of communities being isolated and unable to contact Triple Zero services, or access other critical services or support during and following natural disaster events. 

“I encourage all Australians to have their say on the draft grant guidelines to ensure they can deliver the telecommunications solutions needed to keep Australians safe.”