RfR funds emergency services radio communications upgrade

The highly anticipated new digital radio communications network for police and emergency services in regional Western Australia was successfully commissioned today in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.

  • $94.5m Royalties for Regions-funded Community Safety Network-Regional Radio Network begins rolling out
  • About $4.5m allocated to the Kalgoorlie Trunked Network component
  • Kalgoorlie-Boulder the first regional centre to receive new network

The highly anticipated new digital radio communications network for police and emergency services in regional Western Australia was successfully commissioned today in Kalgoorlie-Boulder.


The State Government's Royalties for Regions program has provided $94.5million for the Community Safety Network-Regional Radio Network to replace the old analogue Police Regional Radio Network with a digital radio system covering more than 18,000 square kilometres.


Police and Road Safety Minister Liza Harvey said the common network infrastructure would allow police and other emergency services to better serve country residents.


"The project will bring together WA Police, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, Fire and Rescue Service of WA, and the Department of Corrective Services (DCS) under one common infrastructure managed by WA Police," Mrs Harvey said.


"This modern and effective radio network will benefit regional communities by providing a more informed, responsive and co-ordinated service."


The Minister said the project catered for future expansion and access for other agencies.


Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the project would significantly improve public safety as well as occupational safety for police and emergency services personnel in regional WA.


"Kalgoorlie-Boulder is the first regional centre to gain access to the new network. The radio terminals have started to be rolled out and can be used in conjunction with the existing analogue network," Mr Grylls said.


"The new radio terminals will also minimise failures due to old terminal equipment.  It is great to see Royalties for Regions funding such a significant and lifesaving project."

     

       Fact File

  • Standardised terminal equipment will be used by WA Police, DCS and Department of Fire and Emergency Services with Police and DCS already operating on the new network

Police and Road Safety Minister's office - 6552 5900
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 5500