Federal Telecommunications Minister Michelle Rowland launched an emergency services backup satellite service at Charmhaven’s RFS Regional HQ on Wednesday, October 19.
The Central Coast will be better prepared for emergencies and natural disasters following the installation of a backup NBN Sky Muster satellite service at the Central Coast Fire Control Centre in Charmhaven.
This project will help emergency services stay connected across the Coast during times of disaster, when land-based networks are damaged or offline. It will also help save lives and reduce the impact of natural disasters on the community.
Telecommunications services are increasingly important during emergencies to keep communities safe, connected and informed. Such services have become crucial in coordinating response efforts to get high quality and timely information to emergency personnel during disasters.
The NSW Emergency Services have continued to build multiple secure networks with help of the NSW Telecommunications Authority in addition to a range of NBN land-based services.
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Rowland said the program is being funded through the Federal Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters STAND program and will cost $37.1 million nationally.
The funding will see NBN Co install 2,000 Sky Muster satellite connections to rural and country fire service depots and designated evacuation centres. Up to 100 critical sites will also have batteries and solar panels installed.
Minister Michelle Rowland said, “No communications network is 100 per cent resilient to natural disasters as has been highlighted by several Royal Commissions into disaster responses.
“The project at the Central Coast Fire Control Centre is one of 1059 delivered so far under the program, with the remaining projects to be completed by November 2022.
RFS Superintendent Vicky Cambell said “By having redunacies that fail over to satellite technology ensures that anytime that we are performing operations we can make sure that we have continueal service to our crews on the fire ground..”
Dobell MP Emma McBride said, “Staying connected during a natural disaster is vital to our community’s safety, whether that’s receiving the latest information online or being able to contact emergency services.
“This project is a major boost for the Central Coast and will help minimise the risk of service disruptions during an emergency.
The Minister said the service in already operational on the Central Coast and nationally the program will be completed by the end of November.
David Abrahams