NSW Telco Authority marked a significant milestone in its $13.2 million Resilience Program, rolling out three fire-resistant, pre-built mission-critical communications shelters and is set to deliver a full suite of trailered generators by the end of 2024.
NSW Premier Chris Minns, NSW Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib and NSW Telco Authority Managing Director Kylie De Courteney made the announcement on 20 September 2024, highlighting the government's commitment to enhancing emergency communications infrastructure resilience.
Developed in response to recommendations from the 2020 NSW Bushfire Inquiry, the Resilience Program aims to bolster the state's Public Safety Network (PSN) by providing essential fast-replacement assets, upgrades and backup power to telecommunications infrastructure, hence minimising outages and increasing the reliability of PSN coverage during emergencies and disasters across the state.
The reliable PSN serves as a lifeline for frontline emergency services, government agencies and essential service providers, facilitating their communications during day-to-day operations and critical events. It is one of the most vital communications networks in the world, second only to Australia’s triple zero emergency hotline.
The newly delivered pre-built shelters house essential transmitters and power for PSN towers. Unlike traditional shelters that can take months to rebuild after bushfire damage, these innovative fire-resistant structures can permanently replace destroyed shelters and be fully operational within 14 days. Built to the latest standards, they ensure that emergency responders have access to reliable infrastructure during crises.
The program also includes the delivery of 18 trailered generators, designed to be airlifted quickly to PSN sites during emergencies to provide backup power when mains supply is lost. These generators come equipped with all-terrain wheels, emergency toolboxes, antennas and transport shields, offering peace of mind for first responders and the communities they serve.
