Page 1301 - Week 04 - Thursday, 4 May 2006
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(1) In relation to the Firelink/Mac2 system, how long in a best case and worse case scenario does it take to get a status message and a GPS position through to the command centre from the field;
(2) Are Firelink/Mac2 Mobile Units (MMU’s) installed or planned to be installed at base stations or otherwise across the ACT as fixed infrastructure; if so, what has been or is planned to be installed and where will it being installed;
(3) Is any other fixed infrastructure used for the Firelink/Mac2 system installed or to be installed in the ACT; if so, (a) what is being installed and (b) where is it being installed;
(4) Given that it is understood that one of the advantages of the Firelink/Mac2 system is the ability to operate without fixed infrastructure, why is the installation of infrastructure or fixed MMU’s taking place across the ACT and what weaknesses have been identified in the system;
(5) If fixed assets or infrastructure has or will be installed, how much will it cost and who is responsible for the installations;
(6) Is the Firelink/Mac2 system in use by the ACT Emergency Services Authority interoperable with systems in place within the NSW Emergency Services agencies; if not, why not;
(7) If the Firelink/Mac2 systems are not interoperable, how do NSW and ACT services communicate when they are jointly responding to an emergency.
Mr Hargreaves: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) The technical characteristics and performance standards of the network have been designed to meet operational requirements. Responsiveness is actively managed during operations through communications planning and configuration management. Messages are generally transmitted within seconds though this time may vary depending on terrain in which resources are operating and consequent “line of sight” implications.
(2) The same type of MMUs which are being installed in ESA vehicles are being installed at various existing ESA communication sites around the ACT. While these are not a system requirement, operational testing has demonstrated that this approach will significantly enhance the system, particularly in remote areas when only one or two vehicles are operating.
(3) The expansion of ESA communications sites for the Trunk Radio Network will provide options for the installation of Firelink MMUs. Additional sites are being planned for Bulls Head, Mt Ginnini, Mt Clear and Mt Tennant.
(4) The Firelink/Mac2 system does operate without fixed infrastructure. The installation of MMUs at ESA communication sites, while not essential, is a means of significantly enhancing the system in remote areas when only one or two vehicles are operating. This is not the result of weaknesses in the system.
(5) Fixed infrastructure is not being installed. Costs are met as part of the overall project allocation approved in the Procurement Plan and installation of MMUs on ESA sites provides a cost and resource benefit by not requiring a relay vehicle to be deployed to a high point during small operations in particular. Installation will occur under normal ESA arrangements.
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