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Tasmania’s response agencies will soon begin transitioning to a new emergency services communications network provided by Telstra and Motorola Solutions.
The A$763 million network was announced in 2020 and has been built on a feature-rich platform providing a range of capabilities.
The platform’s new technology is expected to provide greater interoperability, increased coverage, secure, encrypted communications for emergency service workers and a modern user interface.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said the transition to Tasmanian Government Radio Network (TasGRN) will commence in July.
“The Rockliff Liberal Government has listened to the community and with partner agencies we’ve invested a total $763 million to establish TasGRN.”
“We’re doing this because when our firefighters or police officers are responding to emergency incidents they deserve to have high performing communications equipment to support their safety and the safety of the community.”
Minister Ellis also announced that the transition to the new network will start with Hydro Tasmania, TasNetworks, Parks and Wildlife and Sustainable Timber Tasmania by August.
The police, fire and emergency services will then follow.
“The TasGRN project has created up to 50 jobs during the three-year construction phase, with additional positions to be recruited to help run and oversee the network once it is fully operational later this year,” Minister Ellis said.
“As an added bonus, the TasGRN will deliver improved mobile phone coverage for Telstra users in Tasmania at no cost to the State, particularly in regional Tasmania.”
In an earlier interview, Brett Brady of Hydro Tasmania welcomed the development, saying it would drastically improve his working conditions.
Brady looks after Strathgordon Power Station, where the rough terrain and inclement weather hampers all kinds of communication.
During site inspections, Brady would have to ring the site in advance to let him know that he was on his way and his expected time of arrival. If he encountered an obstacle along the way, he would have no way of asking for help.
“We often find ourselves working alone. As a result, we always make sure that someone knows where we are going and give them a time-frame for our arrival at our destination,” Brady said.
When TasGRN switches on, these situations will be a thing of the past.
“I’ll be able to pick up a radio and go out on a job, tell someone where I am going, update them on my progress, and let them know when I am back. Constant contact, no more guesswork, and that’s peace of mind for me, my colleagues, and my family,” Brady said.
