26 SPT is utilising the network for delivery of broadband internet, high-speed data and teleconference to schools and hospitals across the State. There is also scope for the fibre network to be used in delivering distance learning and remote health services. 2004-2005 target – complete the installation of 95 kilometres of fibre loops in 16 towns Outcome – loops completed Future goals – undertake additional fibre deployments. Gas developments Country <strong>Energy</strong> owns and operates gas networks comprising 1,000 kilometres of mains and transmission pipelines serving more than 20,000 customers in southern New South Wales, including a natural gas reticulation system in Wagga Wagga. The gas networks business is based in our southern regions, and is managed by a small, efficient team, backed up by service delivery gas technicians and external contractors. Major new customers connected to the network during 2004-2005 included Weyheueser at Tumut (300,000 gigajoules) and Wilmott Timbers at Bombala (27,000 gigajoules) as well as 10 large commercial premises in various towns. Greenfield connections Our ‘greenfield’ natural gas networks encompass the townships of Cooma, Bombala, Tumut, Adelong, Gundagai, Temora, Walla Walla, Henty, Culcairn and Holbrook. In these towns the average three-year population growth from 2002-2003 to 2004-2005 was 11 per cent. Meanwhile, in Wagga Wagga, the average three-year growth from 2002-2003 to 2004-2005 was 6.87 per cent, mainly due to a large number of subdivisions completed during the past 12 months. Investing in our fleet Country <strong>Energy</strong> invested $28 million on the upgrade of plant and vehicles this year, which included eight new crane borers and 10 ‘bucket trucks’, all built in accordance with the latest safety standards. A major bucket truck refurbishment program was also carried out. Future goals – continue bucket truck replacement program and introduce additional program for the refurbishment of crane borers. Radio system upgrades Following the formation of Country <strong>Energy</strong>, a standardised voice radio network was required, including common vehicle communications, to support field crew mobility and customer safety. For technical and operational safety reasons, radio equipment has been upgraded and standardised and the operating frequency changed to ultra high frequency. Uniform base radio network During 2004 and 2005, the first major phase was concluded, with the installation of more than 130 new base station radios and construction of repeater sites. New mobile radios The next phase involved the review of 2,500 radios in vehicles at more than 100 locations. One thousand radios were replaced with new, 1200-channel mobile radios, enabling roaming between bases. Enhanced network coverage An UHF mobile radio network project established a core mobile radio network across our footprint area. Some areas, such as the more remote areas of New South Wales, had poor to non-existent coverage under the old radio systems. Several projects were initiated to address localised coverage problems in areas ranging from the North West (Bourke and Walgett) to the Snowy Mountains. For instance, radio coverage was improved in the Cooma area by installing three additional radio repeater sites. Digital radio Another achievement during the year was the establishment of wide area data network capabilities to allow two-way radio conversations with operational support centres. The voice signals are digitised, broadcast as data, and reproduced in real time to overcome natural limits in the radio network. Future goals – extend a common radio network and mobile radios to the Far West region during 2005-2006. COUNTRY ENERGY ANNUAL REPORT 2004–2005
A responsible environmental manager COUNTRY ENERGY ANNUAL REPORT 2004–2005
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