Nine out of 10 Queensland communities will experience a crippling mobile blackout in the event of a natural disaster, councils are warning.

Research by the Local Government Association of Queensland has found that limited competition and sporadic internet speeds would impact thousands of Queenslanders during an emergency event such as a bush fire or flood.

When surveyed, more than 90 per cent of councils believed it to be at least likely that mobile connectivity would be lost during an emergency, while 76 per cent of respondents reported that towns in their region had experienced more than a day without phone reception in the past 12 months. 

“It is unacceptable that in 2024 we are still seeing such significant disparity in mobile phone coverage and reliability of phone services, particularly in regional, rural and remote areas, including First Nations communities,” LGAQ CEO Alison Smith said. “The impact of these challenges on community liveability and safety, particularly during disasters or emergency, is profound.”

In its submission to the 2024 Federal Regional Telecommunications Review, the LGAQ also identified mobile black spots as a significant concern for councils.

In a social media post, mayor of Croydon Shire Council Trevor Pickering said: “Nobody will come to anywhere in the bush that doesn’t have wifi now.”

Mayor of Gladstone Regional Council and acting LGAQ president Matt Burnett said mobile connectivity was crucial, especially for those living in the country’s most disaster-prone state. “Having that telecommunications, that connectivity is so important for the safety of our communities and for the safety of our residents, especially when you need to advise when it’s time to leave if a disaster has gotten to that point.”

Ms Smith said the LGAQ is calling on the Queensland government to support a new formal partnership approach across all levels of government to upgrade infrastructure to improve connectivity.  

“It’s clear that the current approach is failing many Queenslanders,” Smith said. “It’s time for all sides to listen to the communities who feel the daily impact of patchy and failed telecommunication – and support a new way of addressing these challenges.” 

She added: “Councils know their community needs best – and need to be at the heart of decision making to ensure we close the digital divide for good.”