Wilson announces funding for digital radio network

Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson MP has announced the Government will invest more than $100,000 towards a digital radio network in Collie to assist the community respond to bushfires.

 

The Shire of Collie will receive $118,088 for the Smart Emergency and Fire Management project, which will be delivered at a total cost of $246,176.

 

The funding has been allocated through the Government’s Smart Cities and Suburbs Program, which aims to deliver technological solutions to help fix practical problems in local communities.

 

Mr Wilson said the project in Collie would develop digital radio network capable of interacting with the WA Emergency Radio Network and the Shire’s bush fire vehicles.

 

“Creating this network will help establishing direct and integrated communication, which is critical to avoid mistakes and provide a coordinated response during emergencies,” he said.

 

“Collie is a high-risk bushfire area, particularly in the peak of summer when the dry forests create a heavy fuel load within the Shire.

 

“We’ve seen from recent events in WA that an immediate response and clear channels of communication are crucial in saving lives and protecting homes when bushfires approach a town.

 

“This radio network is an important investment and will assist the community in preparing for, and responding to, emergencies in the future.”

 

A total of $28.5 million is being provided by the Australian Government for round one of the Smart Cities and Suburbs Program, with 40% of projects located in regional areas.

 

Round Two of the Program is expected to open in the first half of 2018.

 

More information on the Program and the Smart Cities Plan is available at https://cities.dpmc.gov.au/.