Roseberry Creek UHF Radio Repeater Strengthens Community Resilience

For communities living in remote and rural areas, reliable communication can make all the difference during an emergency. In the Roseberry Creek Valley, limited mobile coverage, challenging terrain and increasing natural disaster risks have highlighted the need for a dependable communication network.

Thanks to a TURSA Community Grant, the Roseberry Creek Community Led Resilience Team has strengthened community safety through the installation of a new UHF radio repeater and the distribution of eight UHF radios.

Building Community Resilience in a Remote Valley

Nestled within the Border Ranges region on the Queensland and New South Wales border, the Roseberry Creek Valley is home to around 90 residents across an 11-kilometre stretch of road.

Many residents live alone, and the community has a growing ageing population. The valley’s unique geography, including steep terrain, hills and winding roads, can make communication difficult at the best of times. During floods, bushfires or severe weather events, residents can become isolated when roads are cut off and traditional communication networks fail.

Recognising these challenges, the community came together to develop a practical solution that would improve safety and emergency preparedness for everyone living in the valley.

A Stronger Emergency Communication Network

The project delivered several important outcomes:

- Installation of a UHF repeater to extend radio coverage throughout the valley.
- Purchase and distribution of eight UHF radios for community use.
- Improved communication between residents during emergencies.
- Faster sharing of critical information and response coordination.
- Monthly radio testing and training sessions to ensure equipment remains operational and community members are confident using the network.
- Dedicated community volunteers monitoring the UHF network from key locations, helping ensure communication channels remain active and support is available when needed.
- Increased community resilience and preparedness for future natural disasters.

The UHF repeater plays a critical role in overcoming the valley’s geographical challenges. Rather than relying on direct line-of-sight communication, radios can now transmit signals to the repeater, which then relays messages across the wider area.

Community-Led Solutions Creating Lasting Impact

What makes this project particularly special is the strong community support behind it.

Local community members, businesses and volunteers worked together to bring the project to life. A local landowner offered a suitable location for the repeater, while other supporters contributed access tracks, equipment, batteries and practical assistance to ensure the system could be installed and maintained.

The community continues to conduct monthly radio checks on the first Wednesday of every month, helping ensure the network remains operational and residents remain confident in using the system when needed.

TURSA funding also supported community radio training, helping residents develop the skills and confidence to use the equipment effectively during emergencies.

Real-Life Benefits During Emergencies

The true value of the network has been demonstrated during real emergency situations, where reliable communication has helped keep residents safe and connected when other services were unavailable.

In one instance, severe flooding washed out a causeway, leaving a resident couple stranded on opposite sides with no mobile phone coverage. Through the UHF network, they were able to stay in contact, assess the situation together and develop a safe plan until conditions improved. Having a reliable way to communicate reduced stress and uncertainty, while helping them avoid unnecessary risks.

In another incident, a local resident suffered a serious fall from a ladder and was unable to access emergency services directly. Using the UHF network, she was able to contact a nearby neighbour, who quickly attended to assist. The neighbour then radioed another community member in a location with mobile reception, enabling emergency services to be contacted. Medical advice was relayed back through the radio network, allowing first aid support to be provided while waiting for help to arrive. Community members also assisted emergency responders to safely access the property across a flooded causeway. The resident was transported to hospital, where she spent a month recovering before returning home.

These experiences highlight that the network is much more than a communication tool. It is a community-led support system that enables residents to stay informed, coordinate assistance, access emergency services and support one another when it matters most.

More Than a Communication Network

The network has also supported additional resilience initiatives, including the installation of a community defibrillator, first aid training for residents, and the development of local leadership and emergency response capabilities. Together, these efforts have strengthened community connections, increased preparedness, and created a more coordinated approach to supporting one another during natural disasters and other emergencies.

Investing in Stronger Communities

The Roseberry Creek UHF Radio Repeater Project is a powerful example of what can be achieved when community organisations, volunteers, local businesses and residents work together toward a shared goal.

Through the TURSA Community Grant Program, this project has delivered more than improved communication. It has strengthened community connections, increased emergency preparedness and given residents greater confidence that help is never too far away when they need it most.

As the community looks to the future, plans to strengthen connections with local emergency services, including the Rural Fire Brigade, will further enhance the network’s ability to support residents during times of need.

By investing in projects like this, we continue to support safer, stronger and more connected communities across our region.

The project was delivered by the Border Ranges-Richmond Valley Landcare Network (BRRVLN) on behalf of the Roseberry Creek Community Led Resilience Team, with strong local support and participation from residents throughout the valley.

With Special mentions to Tamar Cohen, Project Officer and Local Landcare Coordinator with BRRVLN, the project has demonstrated the power of communities working together to improve preparedness and resilience.

Looking Ahead

With the foundation now in place, the next stage is focused on strengthening connections across the broader emergency response network. BRRVLN and the Roseberry Creek Community Led Resilience Team are working to build stronger relationships with local Rural Fire Service brigades, emergency services and other community organisations to further enhance communication, coordination and preparedness across the region.

By expanding these partnerships, the community aims to create an even more connected and resilient network that can support residents before, during and after emergency events.