New comms system for Vic CFA brigades

Victoria's country firefighters will be able to directly communicate with dispatch operators through a $66 million communications system upgrade.

The Regional Radio Dispatch Service (RRDS) allows CFA firefighters to communicate with dispatch operators throughout regional Victoria, helping to eliminate dead spots experienced in the previous system.

Emergency Services Minister Kim Wells said RRDS will assist the work of regional firefighters, giving them direct voice communications with Emergency Services Telecommunication Authority (ESTA) and dispatch operators.

"Previously, approximately 45 per cent of CFA's rural brigades had no direct contact with ESTA and relied on base station operators to relay urgent incident messages," he said on Tuesday.

Six CFA districts are already using the RRDS with remaining brigades transferring to the new system by August.