REPEATER STATION AT NOOSA NATIONAL PARK IMPROVES SAFETY

A new radio repeater station at Laguna Lookout in Noosa National Park would improve safety at local beaches and has the potential to help other services, particularly in emergencies.

Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr visited the $54,000 repeater station today and said it would be useful for several organisations.

“I am extremely pleased that the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) was able to provide a facility to improve the safety of swimmers and volunteer lifesavers at Alexandria Bay and other beaches,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.

“The repeater enables better radio communications for Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) between the Noosa Heads and Sunshine Beach Surf Clubs. It was ready in time for SLSQ to commission its emergency radios at Alexandria Bay before Christmas.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said Noosa National Park rangers would also benefit because the repeater would reduce radio black spots in the headlands section of the park – this would be important in emergencies such as fire control and assisting police during searches.

“Noosa Shire Council is also expected to find it useful for their radio-controlled water and sewerage systems, while Queensland Ambulance Service and State Emergency Service have expressed their interest in using the facility to improve their radio communications.

“The tower has been erected on a site that was previously disturbed and had access to mains power, so installing it had minimal impact on the natural environment.

“Noosa National Park rangers are to be complimented for their efforts in coordinating the construction and operation of the repeater station, with support from Noosa Shire Council and Surf Life Saving Queensland.”

Emergency Services Minister Pat Purcell said the establishment of the repeater station was a great boost for public safety.

“This new repeater has not only improved radio communications for local lifesavers, it also has the potential to improve responses in the area across the emergency services,” he said.

Media contact: Karla Steen on 0417 603 409 or Andie Gatti on 3336 8002