NSW announces $217m funding boost for GRN

NSW emergency services organisations and other government agencies will benefit from a $217 million boost to the state’s mission-critical Government Radio Network (GRN).

The investment will be used to consolidate about 70 separate agency radio networks into one.

“The radio network played a critical role in protecting communities and supporting the Rural Fire Service, Police, Fire and Rescue, Ambulance and the State Emergency Service during the recent bushfires,” said Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello.

“During emergencies such as bushfires and floods, every second counts. We are making life easier for first responders by providing them with a first-class communications infrastructure that will help keep people and places safe.”

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the funding will give first responders greater certainty and confidence when working on the frontline.

“In Northern NSW, the coverage will expand to Glen Innes, Inverell, Tenterfield and Ben Lomond and provide improved coverage for areas including Moree and Warialda,” Elliott said.

“In Southern NSW, it is expanding across the Riverina to the Victorian border to provide greater coverage to the towns of Holbrook, Tarcutta, Gundagai and Albury.”

The funding will enable the NSW Telco Authority to accelerate the Critical Communications Enhancement Program (CCEP) to reach 96% of populated areas.

The $217 million is in addition to the more than $401 million that has been allocated to the upgrade of the GRN since 2016.

CCEP and PSMB The CCEP is delivering an enhanced GRN to improve operational communications for emergency services organisations and essential service providers.

CCEP sites were vital during the summer bushfires, with 19 CCEP new sites being fasttracked and made available on ‘best effort’ capability for emergency services organisations following the State of Emergency declared by the NSW Premier. In addition, 10 mobile cellson-wheel and six generators were deployed. During this time, overall network use was 30% higher than normal.

As a result of the CCEP rollout, Rural Fire Service Operations were able to use the GRN for radiocommunications all the way from Armidale to Forster — the first time this has been possible.

Meanwhile, the federal, state and territory governments are working on plans for a national public safety mobile broadband network for use by emergency services organisations and other providers of essential services. Before the system design and network architecture plans can be finalised, a proof of concept is being conducted to test proposed ideas.

Also of relevance is the Regional Digital Connectivity (RDC) Program, part of the $50 million Connecting Country Communities Fund, which is investing in infrastructure to provide fast and reliable broadband internet access to regional communities in NSW. Delivered in partnership with the Department of Premier and Cabinet, it aims to enable the same digital connectivity in the regions that is available in metropolitan areas of the state.

Approval has been given to trial a proofof-concept program in southern regional NSW. With an expected completion date of December 2025, more than 3800 premises will have improved connection.

The funding will result in improved regional digital connectivity in the NSW towns of Royalla, Gundaroo, Collector, Gunning, Bungendore, Murrumbateman, Googong, Carwoola, Tarago, Michelago and Wallaroo.