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 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.

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