2. Channels 1 to 9.

These have been set aside as Portable Repeater channels, particularly for usage for large fires. There are a number of Trailers, residing at the QFRA Administration building in Brisbane, that are fitted out with both VHF & UHF Repeaters plus portable/handheld transceivers. In the event of a large bushfire, these can be rapidly deployed to the affected area.

These channels could also be used as simplex channels by the IMT to communicate with sectors.

However, these channels will only be used during large fires, thus the possibility exist to use them on a `temporary' basis at other than these times.

For example, if the Brigade's FG channel is suffering interference from other brigades, then one of these channels could be used; remember that it is a repeater channel and that the transceivers would have to be switched to simplex. ( see the section on transceivers for which button to press)

3. Channel 10.

This is the Incident Management Command ( ICS / IMT ) Simplex Channel. Only to be used as such, as any other usage may interfere with activation elsewhere in the state.

4. Channels 11 to 22 - (12 frequencies, 12 channels).

A channel for Brigade Fire Ground usage has been allocated to each brigade. It is expected that bases would monitor the Local Repeater channel whilst not activated. Upon activation, they should switch to their Brigade Fire Ground channel for communication with their field units. When the activation is complete, they should return to a listening watch on the Area channel.

In the event of Group activation, the Brigades attending would use the channel of the brigade in the area of activation. If more than one FG channel is required for multiple sectors working, then use any channel not in current use in the area. Because the channel is shared, it is essential that the channel be kept clear so that a brigade fighting a fire is not subjected to unnecessary interference. The rule is `If you're not at a fire, you're not on a Fireground channel'.

5. Channels 23 to 74.

These are (a)Repeater Channels for Links to Firecom
and (b)Repeater Channels (not connected to Firecom) to allow brigades to communicate / liaise with each other.
Incident Management teams wishing to communicate with sectors could also use the latter.

These repeaters should not be used as Fireground channels, except in areas where the topography does not allow simplex communication.

6. Channels 75 to 97.

These are for other co-operating services and are to be programmed on a District basis. Each District will/has select/ed channels from National Parks and Forestry bandplans, plus others eg. Local Sugar Mills, etc.

In areas where the QFRS Urbans are still using VHF, their channels may be programmed in this segment.

7. Channels 98 & 99.

These are the RFS / DPI / NPWS / Forestry Common Simplex Channels and have the same numbers as their Bandplan. (Or 198,199)

Ch.98 has been actually set aside by the Licensing Authority as a Common Incident channel for communication by services such as DES, RFS, NPWS, Forestry, Councils, Police, Ambulances, etc. (However, the latter two have moved to UHF and thus we are unlikely to hear them on this channel.)

Ch.99 is the Common Fire Ground channels for RFS, NPWS, Forestry, etc., when they are assisting us with a fire threatening either their or our territory. However, it may also be used to communicate with Shire Councils, Aeroplanes and Helicopters engaged in fire combatant duties, and other bodies such as Water Boards etc. willing to have our channels 98 and 99 in their radios on the basis that their usage is strictly for communication with the RFS.

8. CONCLUSION:

This bandplan provides flexibility and allows for future additions of frequencies particularly when the 1000 Ch radios become available.

It is important that brigade members familiarise themselves with the usage of the transceivers and channels, in particular the use of the Repeater channels and Fire Ground channels and the NPWS/Forestry Ch 98 & 99.

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