The state government announced it will create a networked radio channel for a myriad of essential services on Sunday. Negotiations are underway between the government and Telstra to establish the Tasmanian Government Radio Network. The radio network would initially be used by Tasmania Police, State Emergency Service, Tasmania Fire Service, TasNetworks. Ambulance Tasmania, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hydro Tasmania and Sustainable Timber Tasmania. Police, Fire and Emergency Management Minister Mark Shelton said “recent events … have shown us how important it is to have fast and secure communications to respond to bushfires, floods, natural disasters, and other emergencies.” He said the project is expected to create up to 50 jobs during the three-year construction phase as well as additional jobs to oversee the network when up and running.