1/8/05
Esperance's emergency services volunteers are to be the first in the State to get a world-class technology boost when a new communications system kicks off in the region early next year.
Emergency Services Minister Michelle Roberts said the State Government's $20million Western Australian Emergency Radio Network (WAERN) was expected to commence in Esperance in March next year, with the rest of the State to follow.
"Community safety is a priority for our Government and I am pleased that Western Australians in Esperance will be the first to benefit from this revolutionary new radio system," Mrs Roberts said.
"The WAERN will significantly improve communications between our many different emergency services and ultimately make our communities safer and help protect our unique lifestyle."
The Minister said the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) would provide new dual band radios so that all VHF and UHF band emergency service users could talk to each other during emergency incidents.
"This will be a great boon to local services, including the Volunteer Fire and Rescue, State Emergency Service, Sea Search and Rescue and the 15 local Bush Fire Brigades," she said.
"In time, the WAERN will assist all agencies involved in an emergency response, including the police, ambulance, conservation and land management and others to effectively communicate with one another."
FESA technicians devised the concept for the radio network and will work closely with the telecommunications industry to develop the hardware for next year's roll-out.
Mrs Roberts said Esperance emergency services volunteers responded to incidents ranging from severe storms, to floods, structural and bush fires and road accidents.
"Earlier this year, volunteers from the State Emergency Service and Sea Search and Rescue banded together with volunteer firefighters to respond to the destructive Great Southern Floods which inundated Esperance a few months back," she said.
"It is fantastic to be able to provide Esperance's highly dedicated emergency services with the radio communications tools to carry out their critical work in a safer, more efficient way."
Minister's office: 9213 6600
