NSW and Victoria to trial cross-border emergency comms

Frontline responders working between NSW and Victoria will soon be able to access improved communications when responding to natural disasters across borders, with a new radio communications trial announced at the National Emergency Ministers Meeting in Darwin last week.

The trial will test first responders’ ability to seamlessly switch between state radio networks, allowing teams to coordinate responses during emergencies even when crossing borders. It will see emergency service crews’ radios automatically connect to the local network, enabling responders to stay in touch without needing to change devices or settings.

The trial will make use of Motorola Solutions’ Critical Connect, a secure and scalable, cloud-based interoperability gateway that will connect the states’ land mobile radio networks and allow radios to roam across coverage areas. The solution supports real-time voice communications across state lines, as well as location information and real-time status updates to help pinpoint resources in the field. These capabilities are essential for operational coordination and responder safety during large-scale emergencies and unplanned events 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. A proof of concept will run for the next few months.

“This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to ensuring first responders have the tools to keep communities safe and connected,” said NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib.

“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.”

Victorian Minister for Emergency Services and Natural Disaster Recovery Vicki Ward added, “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