The Tasmanian Government Radio Network is up and running

It’s taken 10 years and cost more than the predicted bill for a Macquarie Point stadium, but Tasmania’s critical agencies now have a much-needed single radio network.

Minister Felix Ellis with Nikala Parsons Inspector Tasmania Police. Minister Felix Ellis at the emergency services centre in Hobart where the new $760 million communications network is now in place for use. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

A single radio network for Tasmania’s emergency services is ready for operational use, 10 years after the natural disaster which prompted the communications upgrade.

Police, Fire and Emergency Management Minister Felix Ellis said the $763m Tasmanian Government Radio Network would significantly improve emergency response and community safety.

“This is an outstanding project, one of Tasmania’s largest ever infrastructure builds, delivered on time and on budget, and serving the people who serve Tasmania to enable them to keep Tasmanians safe,” Mr Ellis said.

“It’s been a long time coming but it’s been a really big build and it’s been important to get it absolutely spot on.”

The inquiry into the 2013 Dunalley bushfires recommended all emergency agencies move to a single radio network.

Minister Felix Ellis at the emergency services centre in Hobart where the new $760 million communications network is now in place for use. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Previously, agencies could not easily talk together in the field, which limited coordination and also posed a risk to community safety.

Construction of the network included 138 in-field radio sites, more than 6500 handheld and in-vehicle radios, 23 new radio towers and improved Telstra coverage.

The network will provide one connected, secure radio network for Tasmania’s mission critical agencies Tasmania Police, Tasmania Fire Service, Ambulance Tasmania, the State Emergency Service, Hydro Tasmania, Sustainable Timber Tasmania and TasNetworks.

It also spells the end of public eavesdropping on a police scanner, as the new network is encrypted.

Telstra group executive David Burns said the network had been purpose built for the needs of Tasmania.

“When fully operational in coming weeks, Tasmania will have the newest and one of the most advanced integrated emergency radio networks across Australia,” Mr Burns said.

A major bushfire swept through Copping and Dunalley in South East Tasmania in 2013.

In 2020 the project was costed at $567m when the contact was awarded to Telstra and Motorola.

A spokeswoman for Mr Ellis said the additional $196m — bringing the project cost to $763m — was a contribution by the eight stakeholder organisations.

Shadow Treasurer Shane Broad said Mr Ellis’ comments that the network had been delivered on time and on budget appeared to be misleading.

“In 2020 the project was announced by Jeremy Rockliff at a total value of $567 million, yet it’s now a $763 million project – nearly $200 million over budget,” Mr Broad said.

“With the project now being slated to be fully operational in November 2023, it would be nearly five months late.

“The Liberal Government seems incapable of delivering projects on time and on budget which does not bode well for future projects, such as Marinus or the stadium.”