Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen said the NSW Telco Authority had started enhancements to existing radio infrastructure at Rossgole and Quirindi, which will result in new network coverage across the region.

“Government radio is used by emergency and essential services to communicate day-to-day operational matters as well as during emergencies,” he explained.

“The NSW Telco Authority is expanding the footprint of the state’s critical communications network to ensure public safety agencies have an enhanced and more reliable network when serving and protecting our local communities in Upper Hunter.

“Expanding the footprint of the government radio network in Upper Hunter further enables our public safety agencies when keeping people and places safe.

“Law enforcement, emergency and essential services around Rossgole and Quirindi will be able to use a single, integrated radio network to coordinate responses during critical incidents once completed. 

“This upgrade will deliver improved critical communications for our communities in rural and regional NSW.”

The infrastructure improvement works are part of the Telco Authority’s Critical Communications Enhancement Program, which is increasing government radio coverage from less than 35 per cent to more than 80 per cent of NSW through construction, upgrade and integration of sites. 

“By expanding the government radio network to existing sites such as Rossgole and Quirindi, the authority is also reducing duplication of infrastructure and delivering more efficient management of resources to our local communities and NSW taxpayers,” Mr Johnsen said.

For more information, visit www.telco.nsw.gov.au