The Albanese government is expanding free community Wi-Fi to more First Nations communities in Queensland, supporting digital inclusion and improving access to essential online services.
Through $1.6 million in Australian government funding and almost $180,000 from the Queensland government, the remote communities of Mapoon, Lockhart River and Napranum will gain access to free Wi-Fi in public spaces.
Reliable internet access plays an increasingly important role in connecting people to healthcare, education, employment opportunities, and government services. In many remote communities, connectivity remains a significant barrier to participation in the digital economy.
Expanding digital access in remote communities
Queensland Minister for Customer Services and Open Data and Minister for Small and Family Business Steve Minnikin said the initiative would help improve digital access for regional and remote First Nations communities.
“The Queensland government, in partnership with the Australian government, is proud to bring free community Wi-Fi to regional and remote First Nations communities,” Minnikin said.
“This program, backed by $180,000 in Crisafulli government funding, will provide communities with free, reliable Wi-Fi to access essential services and connect with loved ones.”
The rollout is expected to improve access to healthcare, education, training, and employment opportunities while strengthening community and cultural connections.
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Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy said expanding connectivity is an important step towards closing the digital divide.
“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,” 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.”
Supporting health, education, and employment
The Queensland communities join others across Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory that have already benefited from the program.
Minister for Communications Anika Wells said improved connectivity can deliver practical benefits for residents living in remote locations.
“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,” 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.”
Part of a broader digital inclusion strategy
The funding forms part of the Australian government’s $20 million First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program, which is being rolled out across up to 53 remote communities nationwide.
The initiative builds on the NBN Community Wi-Fi Program, which has already delivered free community Wi-Fi to 23 remote communities across Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, and the Northern Territory.
Together, these programs contribute to the government’s broader $68 million investment in First Nations digital inclusion and support progress towards Target 17 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
Queensland Government Member for Cook, David Kempton, said improved digital access would create new opportunities for remote communities.
“Additional digital support and skills for the communities of northern Cape York will boost employment opportunities, remote learning, and business development,” Kempton said.
“These are wonderfully unique and diverse communities, and we want to see them grow and thrive with access to modern communication and resources.”
As more services move online, reliable internet access is becoming increasingly important for social participation, economic opportunity, and community wellbeing. Programs such as the First Nations Community Wi-Fi Program aim to ensure remote communities are not left behind in Australia’s digital future.
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