February 22, 2022
Eleven NBN towers in the Gympie region will get back-up power that will enable them to continue working during emergencies, thanks to a $1.4 million Federal Government grant.
Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien said the $1,476,200 grant would be provided to Gympie Regional Council in partnership with NBN.
It will enable the installation of “hybrid power cubes” at Glastonbury and Pie Creek as well as nine other Gympie Regional Council locations.
Hybrid power cubes combine solar, battery, and diesel generator technologies which enable the towers to continue operating for long periods without a connection to the electricity grid.
“Reliable telecommunication services are critical to ensure people can reach emergency services and loved ones during times of natural disaster or isolation,” Mr O’Brien said.
“These hybrid power cubes can be activated when communities are either at risk or actively impacted by natural disasters such as bushfires or flooding, to enable the towers to operate if the mains power supply is interrupted.
“The HPCs can remain in place for months if necessary, until full repairs can be carried out if damage to infrastructure has occurred.”
