General News
18 March, 2024
New radios on the way for CFA
In a $138 million upgrade to emergency communication, Country Fire Authority (CFA) brigades will be on the same wavelength with more than 18,000 radios sent all across Victoria. The project, funded by the Victorian Government, will allow for direct...
In a $138 million upgrade to emergency communication, Country Fire Authority (CFA) brigades will be on the same wavelength with more than 18,000 radios sent all across Victoria.
The project, funded by the Victorian Government, will allow for direct communication to all emergency service agencies in the state and will also allow brigades to speak to crews in New South Wales and South Australia.
The radios will also be fitted with navigational GPS functions, allowing fellow crews to easily locate firefighters on the ground.
CFA’s Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook said the new features will strengthen communication and emergency response times from brigades.
“The new radios will have multiband capability which allows direct communication with our partner emergency service agencies here and interstate, further boosting our interoperability,” he said.
“They also include additional functionality including GPS on the handheld portable radios which improves firefighter safety on the frontline.
“It’s important for CFA to continue to upgrade its devices with the latest technology and we look forward to the completion of this vital program.”
The communicating equipment was trialed across 15 CFA districts who were part of the consulting phase of the rollout, testing the radios’ function in simulated scenarios.
Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said the upgrade will further improve the work CFA volunteers do in protecting local communities.
“These new radios have undergone a trial by fire — tested by volunteers who know what they need in the face of disaster. It’s really exciting to kickstart the rollout of these important devices for all our brigades,” she said.
“Our CFA volunteers go above and beyond to keep Victorian communities safe from disasters — we’re continuing to back this important work with record funding and support.”