Key points:
- Free community Wi-Fi will be rolled out in Mapoon, Lockhart River and Napranum in remote Queensland
- The rollout is backed by $1.6 million from the Australian Government and almost $180,000 from the Queensland Government
- The program aims to improve access to online healthcare, education, training, banking and community connection
'The rollout of free community Wi-Fi is an important step towards closing the digital divide'
Free community Wi-Fi will be rolled out to three more remote First Nations communities in Queensland under a joint Australian and Queensland government funding package.
Mapoon, Lockhart River and Napranum will receive free Wi-Fi in public spaces through $1.6 million from the Australian Government and almost $180,000 from the Queensland Government.
The funding is part of the $20 million First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program, which is being rolled out in up to 53 remote communities across Australia.
The program is aimed at improving access to online healthcare, education, training, banking and other services, while supporting cultural and community connection.
Federal Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said the rollout would help address the digital gap affecting remote communities.
"The rollout of free community Wi-Fi is an important step towards closing the digital divide and supporting better outcomes in health, education and employment," Ms McCarthy said.
"It's fantastic to see this program reaching remote communities right around the country, with the residents of Mapoon, Lockhart River and Napranum now set to benefit from improved access to essential services and opportunities."
The Queensland communities join locations previously announced across Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory.
The First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program builds on the NBN Community Wi-Fi Program, which has delivered free community Wi-Fi to 23 remote communities across Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Minister for Communications Anika Wells said the investment would support access to key services in remote Queensland communities.
"This investment in free community Wi-Fi means more of Queensland's most remote communities can see a doctor online, study, work and access vital services such as banking," Ms Wells said.
"Boosting access, affordability and digital equity for First Nations people is central to achieving Target 17 of Closing the Gap — this is about delivering real change and lasting benefits."
The initiatives are part of the Australian Government's $68 million package to support First Nations digital inclusion and advance work towards Target 17 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Queensland Minister for Customer Services and Open Data and Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the state government was supporting the rollout through $180,000 in funding.
"The Queensland Government, in partnership with the Australian Government, is proud to bring free community Wi-Fi to regional and remote First Nations communities," Mr Minnikin said.
