More than $57M in leading technology to keep firefighters safe, connected and protecting communities
Published: 15th October 2021
Emergency Services Minister David Elliott today joined Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) Commissioner Paul Baxter at the Emergency Services Academy to see first-hand how a $57 million investment in state-of-the-art technology and IT systems is transforming emergency service delivery across NSW.
Firefighters demonstrated new firefighting drones which drop combustible fireballs for enhanced bushfire preparedness and live stream thermal images to incident command; fire trucks with radio, 4G and satellite connectivity to ensure uninterrupted firefighter communication during network outages; heavy utility vehicles that can restore access to power, and ground-breaking mesh technology capable of extending radio communications coverage in normally impaired areas such as tunnels or inside buildings.
Mr Elliott said the devastating Black Summer bushfires demonstrated the importance of firefighters having the best communications systems and equipment available.
“That’s why the NSW Government has invested more than $52.2m over four years for the rollout of leading-edge communications, plus a further $5.2m for bushfire aviation technology to improve safety and resilience so our firefighters can be prepared for anything.” Mr Elliott said.
Commissioner Baxter said firefighters and communities are safer today because of these critical communication upgrades and technology being rolled out across NSW.
“Through this technology, we are helping our people stay connected with each other, with our emergency services partners and our communities before, during and after incidents, major emergencies, and natural disasters,” Mr Baxter said.
Connected firefighters are safer and more effective. An experienced firefighter with reliable contact with their crew and accurate information about an incident is the best tool we have to protect the community from fires and other emergencies.
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Download: Connected Firefighter factsheet (PDF)
For vision, please contact media@fire.nsw.gov.au