WA Radio Scanner Users' Group

Funding for regional police radio network 'needed now'

Posted June 9, 2009 11:24:00

The Western Australian Opposition wants the Government to consider using Royalties to Regions to help fund an upgrade of the remote police radio network.

The Opposition's police spokeswoman Margaret Quirk says the current system is unreliable and is exposing police in regional areas to unacceptable risks.

The Government has allocated money in this year's Budget to begin planning for a new digital network to be rolled out across regional areas.

Ms Quirk says the time for planning is past and lives are being put in danger.

"It's something that if nothing else, maybe Royalties for Regions money should go for it, because it's very important that police are not exposed to added danger," she said.

"The response times can be improved and all round policing can be at the optimal standard required in the regions.

"It is an ageing network, it's over 20 years old, it breaks down, there are black spots, it leaves police very vulnerable and makes responding to emergencies in remote and regional Western Australia just that much harder for police.

"We're in the 21st century, they should be able to communicate with each other."

Its happening.. slowly but happening. its a big state.

Slowly but surely. 5 more TADIS Lite units heading to Bunbury....

CC

Ah, also Gero Base and FG101 now have TADIS on trial. This is the only vehicle fitted with the system at present.

CC

i love these sort of things. they think if ya chuck it in the news then magicly the next day its all going to be done. 200+ country repeater sites.. plus the bases and vehicles its a big job that req big money which has to come from some other place.

in my town they recently had some new equipment fitted but id be very surprised if they would even use the repeater once a week.