VRA on GRN?

[system_tech]

VRA does have some allocations in UHF.

Most squads in the country areas use 80 MHz band systems, a throw back to being set up essentially as "volunteer police rescue" many years ago.

UHF is mainly used as trigger links to the 80 MHz repeaters, in essence a throw back to when they used 80 MHz Simplex channels with trigger links.

Both CREST NSW and WICEN NSW, VRA Communications Squads also have separate UHF Allocations.


VRA is recognised as an emergency service essentially. The VRA President sits on the State Rescue Board, with equivalent "ranking" to head of service / commissioner.

They also are recognised by RTA for use of Red Beacons and Sirens.

Ok they are not government but have a high level of recognition by government.

One example is that VRA members are subject to the same volunteer "workers" compsensation scheme as the SES and RFS.

S_T

[SKEYGEN]

SRB or Mines Rescue Board accreditation is basically a requirement for red lights under RTA's regs.

[system_tech]

Hi all,

One thing that hasn't been asked- are VRA on UHF or do they use VHF?

The reason I ask is that the UHF bandplan may not allow for VRA... I might be wrong but I don't know how a non-government emergency service goes with this.

Cheers,


Richard

Yes indeed, govt or private as seen by ACMA

The VRA Commssioner sits as Head Of Agency on the Rescue Board


Will tell you soon as I am in a VRA squad with UHF allocations!

[SKEYGEN]

VRA have the same status as the likes of St John. Definitely not government, but I think ACMA has provisions (license fee concessions etc) for community organizations.

Anyway, it's not like VRA has the money for P25 gear