Renewable Energy Project: Critical Two-Way Radio Network

About The Client

A major renewable energy infrastructure developer undertaking the construction of one of Australia’s largest pumped hydro energy storage projects in South East Queensland. The project forms a key part of Queensland’s renewable energy transition.

The Business Challenge

The client required a communications platform capable of providing reliable voice communications across multiple construction sites operating simultaneously across a large project footprint. The solution needed to:

Traditional mobile coverage across the area was limited, and the mountainous terrain made communications design particularly challenging. Inter-site connectivity and seamless project-wide communications were considered essential to project success.

The Business Solution

Following a competitive market engagement process, MarchNet was selected to design, deliver and support a comprehensive DMR Tier III digital trunked radio network tailored specifically to the project’s operational and safety requirements. MarchNet implemented a staged deployment strategy that enabled communications to be established rapidly while supporting future expansion.

Stage 1 – Temporary Communications Network

To meet immediate project requirements, MarchNet deployed a temporary DMR solution using rapidly deployable communications infrastructure, enabling operational communications to be established within weeks of contract award.

Stage 2 – Interim Network Expansion

In parallel, MarchNet designed and delivered a more permanent architecture capable of supporting growing workforce requirements and expanding project footprints across multiple construction zones.

Stage 3 – Permanent Communications Platform

As permanent communications infrastructure became available, the DMR network was transitioned and expanded into a long-term communications platform supporting project operations.

DMR Tier III Architecture

The completed network comprised a DMR Tier III digital trunked radio system designed to deliver:

• Site-wide two-way radio communications
• Multi-site roaming
• Intelligent channel allocation
• Group and emergency calling
• Centralised network management
• Radio fleet management
• Support for future network expansion

The network was designed to support hundreds of users operating across multiple project areas, while maintaining reliable communications during both routine and emergency situations.

Integrated Communications Platform

One of the unique requirements of the project was enabling communications between field radio users and office-based personnel. To achieve this, MarchNet integrated:

• Smartphone-based push-to-talk capability
• Radio over IP (RoIP) gateways
• Inter-site connectivity through low-latency LEO satellite backhaul
• Dedicated inter-site talkgroups for project-wide coordination and emergency communications

This allowed personnel to communicate through the DMR network from project offices and remote locations using a mobile application, while remaining fully integrated with field radio users.

Network Expansion & Coverage Growth

As the project expanded, MarchNet delivered additional DMR infrastructure, including:

• Two additional DMR Tier III repeater sites
• Additional radio coverage across key construction corridors
• Expanded roaming and trunking capability
• Integration into the wider project communications network

Operational Management

The network incorporates remote monitoring and management services, ensuring radios, infrastructure and user fleets can be managed efficiently throughout the life of the project:

The Business Outcome

The DMR Tier III network provides the project with a resilient, scalable and integrated communications platform supporting both construction and future operational requirements. Benefits achieved include:

• Site-Wide Radio: Reliable two-way radio communications across the project.
• Safer Workforce: Improved workforce safety.
• Faster Emergency Response: Project-wide emergency calling and talkgroups.
• Multi-Area Coverage: Communications across multiple project areas.
• Smartphone-to-Radio: Office and remote staff connected to field radio users.
• Better Coordination: Improved coordination between field and office personnel.
• Higher Productivity: Enhanced productivity and operational efficiency.
• Built to Grow: Infrastructure designed to grow alongside the project.

The network continues to form a critical component of the project’s communications ecosystem, supporting personnel operating across one of Queensland’s most significant renewable energy developments.