THE PUBLIC Safety Network (PSN), formerly known as The Government Radio Network, has been expanded across the Coffs Coast with three new sites at Upper Orara, Korora and Mt Coramba.

Next to Australia’s triple zero emergency hotline, the PSN is the most critical communications network in NSW.

For residents of these regions it means faster and more effective reporting and response to emergency services.

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The main aim of the PSN is to consolidate all emergency resources into one network, ensuring greater coverage and reliability than if each department had its own independent communication system.

Tom Reeve, Captain at Orara Rural Fire Service told News Of The Area, “It’s absolutely brilliant, and about time because it allows us to talk with the other emergency services.

“It also gives us better coverage where there has been little to no reception, and allows a digital transfer of data which is really important, so we all know where each other is.

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the new radio sites, delivered by the NSW Telco Authority, are vital to ongoing community safety in our region.

“These sites provide emergency services organisations with a single, integrated network on which to communicate,” Gurmesh said.

“By expanding the footprint of this critical infrastructure, we are ensuring that frontline responders have a more reliable network to help keep people and places safe.

“PSN sites were crucial in protecting communities and supporting the Rural Fire Service, Police, Fire and Rescue, Ambulance and the State Emergency Service during the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires in NSW, and the recent floods.”

Minister for Digital and Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the NSW Government was investing $600+ million in essential infrastructure to better protect communities.

“The new radio sites at Upper Orara, Korora and Mt Coramba will make it easier for our local emergency services to communicate when it matters most,” he said.

“The PSN’s expansion represents the biggest investment in critical communications infrastructure by the NSW Government in two decades.”

By Andrea FERRARI