NSW and Victoria trial cross-border emergency communications

Emergency services agencies are working to improve communications when responding to natural disasters across borders, with a new radio communications trial announced at the National Emergency Ministers Meeting in Darwin.

The trial is testing first responders’ ability to seamlessly switch between state radio networks, allowing teams to coordinate responses during emergencies, even when crossing borders. This will enable them to operate on the same radio network and prevent them having to carry two radios to improve emergency response efforts.

Under the trial, emergency service crews’ radios will automatically connect to the local network, enabling first responders to stay in touch without changing devices or settings. This is important during large-scale emergencies like bushfires, floods and storms, where teams from multiple agencies and states often work together.

The trial builds on the success of Australia’s first interstate radio roaming services, launched by NSW and Queensland in 2023.

This service was critical during the response to Tropical Cyclone Alfred earlier this year when Queensland’s radio infrastructure was inaccessible, and emergency teams were able to switch seamlessly to the NSW network and continue operations without disruption.

The trial is expected to begin later in the year and will be led by the NSW Telco Authority and Emergency Management Victoria.

In NSW, the Public Safety Network is used by emergency services and government agencies to coordinate responses and is the state’s most important communications network after Triple Zero.

“State borders shouldn’t be a barrier to public safety,” said NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib. “This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to ensuring first responders have the tools to keep communities safe and connected.

“As technology improves, we need to look at new ways to harness it to improve our emergency response. This is yet another example of how we’re improving communications to assist in a crisis.

“Through enabling seamless roaming and stronger network interoperability, we’re ensuring emergency responders can communicate clearly and stay connected when it matters most.”

Victoria’s Minister for Emergency Services and Natural Disaster Recovery, Vicki Ward, said: “Our emergency service teams do an incredible job, and it’s important they have the technology required to respond to emergencies regardless of where they occur. We’re working alongside state government colleagues across borders, removing communication barriers and saving valuable time during emergencies.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Julia Gomina