New SAGRN site now operational

Emergency services communications will be improved in South Australia, with the SA Government Radio Network (SAGRN) site in Waterloo now operational.

The site is part of a $154.5 million upgrade that will provide significantly improved voice radio coverage to the Gilbert Valley. It will be used by a range of emergency services providers including the state’s fire services, SA Ambulance, SA Police, State Emergency Services and SA Water.

The creation of this new site in the Gilbert Valley has been given priority due to it being identified as an area of unusually poor communications coverage.

“The Gilbert Valley is a high fire risk area, and the new tower will improve safety for both local residents and our emergency services volunteers,” said Member for Frome Geoff Brock.

This new site in the Gilbert Valley has already had a major impact, assisting volunteers to maintain vital communications while fighting a fire near Waterloo earlier this year. It helped nearly 200 Country Fire Service volunteers, supported by three water bombing aircraft, to contain a bushfire that threatened neighbouring properties and crops, including a wind farm.

The full major upgrade to SAGRN sites is expected to be completed by mid-2018.

Implemented in 2000, the SAGRN is recognised as one of the largest and most effective purpose-built public safety radio networks in the world.

It provides highly reliable voice radio and paging services to over 226,000 km² of the state and up to 40 km out to sea, covering approximately 96% of the state’s population.

The SAGRN is relied on every hour of every day to help keep the state’s police, ambulance and emergency services officers, volunteers and the South Australian community they are responding to safe.

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/carlofranco

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