Resilient and safe communities
Past bushfires and floods in NSW highlighted the importance of telecommunications coverage, capacity and resilience in ensuring community safety. For example, to receive critical warnings, contact family and friends, and receive post-emergency information. Equally, this connectivity is critical for emergency services to deliver effective and well-coordinated response activities. Both commercial telecommunications networks and the Public Safety Network play a key role in enabling the safety of people during natural disasters and emergencies.
Digital connectivity networks support safety at home, work and when travelling
In practice, this should mean:
- All communities and businesses have access to essential telecommunication and digital services during emergencies and natural disasters.
- Customers using government infrastructure, such as roads and trains, have reliable connectivity.
- Government agencies, businesses and communities are supported to improve their cyber-security awareness and practices.
- Government agencies and councils are supported to maintain optimal cybersecurity practices in respect of current and new digital connectivity investments, in line with the 2027 Cybersecurity Strategy.
First responders are connected and safe
In practice, this should mean:
- Emergency service providers have access to robust, unified and reliable communications throughout the state, and interstate, during emergencies and natural disasters.
- Intelligent and real-time data support natural disaster warning systems and emergency decision-making.
- Data-sharing enables the NSW Government to know where critical connectivity assets are located to ensure they are protected.
Case study
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Connecting people with places and digital on regional rail
Getting people to the places they want to go is the foundation of rail connectivity and ensuring people can connect digitally while travelling is an important part of the experience.