The New South Wales (NSW) Government has completed a new Public Safety Network (PSN) site in the Hunter region, marking another milestone in the expansion of critical communications infrastructure designed to strengthen connectivity for emergency services across the state.

Delivered under the Critical Communications Enhancement Program (CCEP), the project will enhance the PSN's coverage and help frontline emergency responders maintain reliable communications when supporting communities during critical incidents and emergencies.

The construction process also highlighted the importance of integrating Aboriginal cultural heritage protection into the planning and delivery of essential public infrastructure.

An Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment identified registered heritage sites within and surrounding the project area, including locations containing stone artefacts. These findings informed construction requirements and established safeguards to ensure the site's cultural significance was respected throughout the project.

The project brought together archaeologists, Aboriginal stakeholders, environmental planning managers and delivery teams to incorporate cultural heritage considerations into construction planning and on-site operations.

As part of these measures, all workers completed mandatory cultural heritage inductions, covering how to identify potential Aboriginal objects, the appropriate procedures to follow if artefacts were discovered, and the cultural importance of protecting Aboriginal heritage sites.

With construction now complete, the Hunter region PSN site will contribute to strengthening emergency communications infrastructure, supporting frontline personnel with improved connectivity and helping emergency services remain connected when communities need them most.

The project demonstrates how the expansion of mission-critical communications infrastructure can be delivered alongside environmental responsibility, protection of Aboriginal cultural heritage and recognition of the enduring cultural connections between Aboriginal communities and Country.