CFA is set to deliver more than 18,000 new radios across the state which will improve brigades’ communication in the field.

CFA conducted a three-month pilot in March 2023 which involved 15 brigades from different parts of the state.

The pilot program assessed a range of radios in everyday operational activities, installation processes and training materials. 

The feedback from the pilot brigades enabled selection of the preferred radios from Motorola and contributed extensively to the planning for the full rollout across the state.

The new APX series P25 radios are a significant upgrade to firefighting communications technology.

Included within the package will be approximately 9000 of Motorola Solutions’ APX NEXT all-band smart radios, which provide mission-critical voice communications and productivity-enhancing data applications to enhance safety and incident awareness for firefighters.

Acting chief officer, Garry Cook said the significant upgrade to their radio devices will enhance communications at incidents which also strengthens the emergency response from brigades.

“The new radios will have multiband capability which allows direct communication with our partner emergency service agencies here and interstate, further boosting our interoperability,” Mr Cook said.

“They also include additional functionality including GPS on the handheld portable radios which improves firefighter safety on the frontline.

“It’s important for CFA to continue to upgrade its devices with the latest technology and we look forward to the completion of this vital program.”

The $138.8 million Radio Replacement Program was funded by the Victorian Government as part of a 10-year services contract to upgrade and support CFA’s radio equipment.

The rollout of the new devices will include all vehicle, handheld and base radios.

Motorola Solutions Australia and New Zealand managing director, Con Balaskas said their APX radios greatly expanded shared information potential.

“Our APX NEXT radios bring additional capabilities that maximise the use of data in the field, delivering rich insights to further strengthen workflow efficiency and safety,” he said.

APX NEXT data applications include SmartConnect to automatically switch voice communications from land mobile radio (LMR) to broadband networks when users travel outside of radio coverage areas, SmartMapping to pinpoint the location of firefighters and vehicles in the field, and ViQi voice control to enable first responders to quickly manage radio controls through simple and intuitive voice commands.

The modernisation program will replace CFA’s radios used in the field, on fire trucks, in command vehicles and within fire stations.

The new devices will be used on the Victorian Government’s Regional Mobile Radio (RMR) and Metropolitan Mobile Radio (MMR) networks, which provide secure radio communications across regional, rural and metropolitan Victoria.

Plenty Fire Brigade Captain, David Rumble, whose brigade was part of the three-month trial, said the new radios were fantastic.

“They’re simple, intuitive, easy to pick up and use and their multiagency ability is incredibly useful at an incident,” Mr Rumble said.

“Our brigade has thoroughly enjoyed using them and we look forward to seeing them utilised across the state.”

CFA expects the radios will be rolled out over a 15 to 18-month period commencing mid-2024.