Radio network gets everyone talking

The State’s response agencies will soon begin transitioning to a new emergency services communications network. 

Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said eight agencies will transition to the Tasmanian Government Radio Network (TasGRN) commencing in July. 

“First responders save lives in every corner of Tasmania and they need communications tools to match,” Minister Ellis said. 

“Our emergency service workers have highlighted the need for reliable, interoperability in radio communications to support effective responses to emergency situations. 

“The Rockliff Liberal Government has listened to the community and with partner agencies we’ve invested a total $763 million to establish TasGRN. 

“This new network will provide greater interoperability, increased coverage, secure, encrypted communications for our emergency service workers, and will deliver a modern user interface. 

“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 said 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.”