The plans are in to expand a radio network to streamline communication between emergency services at a popular multi-day walking track.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A development application is before the Meander Valley Council seeking permission to install essential emergency communication infrastructure on four walking track huts within Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
The antenna installation on each hut rooftop will connect to the Tasmanian Government Radio Network (TasGRN).
The proposed development is located at Pelion Huts (Ranger Hut), Kia Ora Hut, Windy Ridge Rangers and Pine Valley Hut.
The application said the proposal fell under the TasGRN project to facilitate radio coverage for emergency services purposes.
It said the equipment was designed to consider its environment and that was balanced against the community benefit from improved communications for essential emergency services.
The height of the antennas will range from 1.4 metres to 1.9, while the total height wont exceed four metres.
The proposal comes as Tasmania Police made the switch to use the TasGRN exclusively on August 30.
Police, Fire and Emergency Management Minister Felix Ellis said the new radio network was "more reliable, more resilient, more secure" and that it replaced five separate systems.
"This is the most extensive upgrade to multi-agency emergency radio communications in Tasmania's history," Mr Ellis said.
He said Hydro Tasmania, TasNetworks, Parks and Wildlife and Sustainable Timber Tasmania had moved to the network, while Ambulance Tasmania, Tasmania Fire Service and State Emergency Service would make the transition over the next two months.
The sites on the Overland Track were chosen carefully to provide reliable operation of the network at remote tourist locations following consultation with the State, the application said.
"The Walking Track Hut solution will enhance the coverage footprint to portable devices over specific walking tracks," the application said.
It also included an Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania and Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation reports.
The application is being advertised with the Meander Valley Council and the community can provide feedback until September 11.
Why not have your say? Write a letter to the editor here:
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark www.examiner.com.au
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @examineronline
- Follow us on Instagram: @examineronline
- Follow us on Google News: The Examiner
Molly Appleton
Molly Appleton is a senior journalist at The Examiner, having formerly worked at The Advocate as a news and sports reporter. She brings a passion for storytelling and knowledge of Tasmania across the three major regions. For any story ideas contact her on 0448 184 160.
Molly Appleton is a senior journalist at The Examiner, having formerly worked at The Advocate as a news and sports reporter. She brings a passion for storytelling and knowledge of Tasmania across the three major regions. For any story ideas contact her on 0448 184 160.
