The Public Safety Network (PSN) across the Lismore region has been significantly expanded with the completion of five new radio sites at Mallanganee, Mount Nardi, Parrots Nest, Legume and Pretty Gully.

Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin said the new radio sites, delivered by the NSW Telco Authority, are vital to ongoing community safety across Lismore.

“These sites provide emergency services organisations with a single, integrated network on which to communicate,” Mr Franklin said.

“It’s technology that saves lives. By expanding the footprint of this critical infrastructure, we are ensuring that frontline responders have a more reliable network to help keep people and places safe.

“PSN sites were crucial in protecting communities and supporting the Rural Fire Service, Police, Fire and Rescue, Ambulance and the State Emergency Service during the 2019-20 bushfires in NSW.”

Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the NSW Government was investing more than $600 million in essential infrastructure to better protect communities.

“During an emergency every second counts. The new radio sites in the Lismore area will make it easier for our local emergency services to communicate when it matters most,” Mr Dominello said.

“The PSN’s expansion represents the biggest investment in critical communications infrastructure by the NSW Government in two decades.”

The delivery of these new emergency communications sites follows a $217 million boost to the Telco Authority in 2020 to continue to expand the footprint of the PSN across NSW.