<p>Queensland Rail and the Queensland Department of Main Roads have committed $161,000 worth of radio equipment and resources to help rebuild the telecommunications network in East Timor, through the Connect East Timor Campaign.</p> <p>QR will donate $65,000 worth of surplus radio equipment, resources, and technical advice to help set up this urgently needed service.</p> <p>Connect East Timor chairman Alan Collier praised QR and Main Roads for making the first major contributions to the campaign.</p> <p>"About half the population of East Timor do not have any communication services," Mr Collier said.</p> <p>"In a medical emergency, it can take hours or days to reach scarce medical resources."</p> <p>East Timor has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world and this system is designed to reduce this rate, improve the survival of women in childbirth and assist with general health, governance, and education.</p> <p>QR chief executive Bob Scheuber said QR was proud to contribute to such a worthwhile cause.</p> <p>"We have an expanding international focus, completing projects in 11 Asian countries," Mr Scheuber said.</p> <p>"I think it is very important that we use our expertise to help the courageous East Timorese people rebuild." </p> <br />
