STATE Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin is very pleased to announce the connection of the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) onto the Public Safety Network. This will enable local SES units to gain access to the Government Radio Network (GRN).
The SES used to operate on its own individual network where only 69% of the area they serve is covered by radio signal. Since the GRN has been introduced in the Tweed-Byron area coverage is up to 91%.
“On December 7th Lismore City, Coraki, Woodburn, Broadwater and Ballina were upgraded and the GRN became accessible. Providing a higher quality network for our local SES, bringing them into line with Sydney and many other parts of the state.” Ms Saffin said.
“Our local SES are always there for our community. Whether its floods, storms, fires and more the SES have our backs. This is a much needed boost for the work that they do.”
“The increased radio coverage will enhance the ability of the SES to keep us all safe.”
This is the first time that the Far North Coast and the Mid North Coast has had access to the GRN. The latest round of upgrades mean that 10 Northern Zone Clusters will have switched over to the GRN.
“When I talk to our local SES they tell me that good, reliable and easy communication is essential to their job. That’s why it’s great to deliver this much needed upgrade”
“The move to the GRN is a great opportunity to introduce a better way of using radios. The addition of an emergency duress alert directly to the State Operations Centre will also save time on the ground in critical moments.”
The upgrade is funded through a $217m boost to the Critical Communications Enhancement Program (CCEP).
“This upgrade is a major step forward for our SES. I will continue to advocate for our local emergency service workers and volunteers, who give so much of themselves in service of our community. To make sure they have what they need to do the incredible job they do.”
“I do note that Tenterfield and communities west of the range have not been upgraded. I have raised this issue with the Minister and I look forward to the upgrade taking place soon. So Tenterfield is not left behind. I am seeking clarification as to whether Kyogle is able to use the GRN and will make sure that access is available.”
Below is a list of the units receiving the upgrade to the GRN:
- Port Macquarie Hastings
- Wauchope
- Camden Haven
- Forster Pacific Palms
- Gloucester Shire
- Harrington
- Nabiac
- Stroud
- Taree City
- Ballina
- Broadwater
- Coraki
- Lismore City
- Woodburn
Monday, 11 January 2021.
