Almost all mobile phones in Australia will receive a test emergency alert in late July as the federal government prepares to roll out a new warning system for bushfires, floods, storms and biosecurity hazards.<\/p>\n
The long-awaited AusAlert system will undergo a national test on Monday, July 27, before it officially comes online in October.<\/p>\n
The $132 million communications network allows emergency messages to be targeted to within 160 metres, meaning individual streets can be told to evacuate or prepare.<\/p>\n
It was originally supposed to be delivered by the end of 2024, but was hit with a series of delays.<\/p>\n
Local tests will first be conducted in all states and territories over June, with messages to be sent to residents of Majura, ACT; Launceston, Tasmania; Port Douglas, Queensland; Liverpool, NSW; Geelong, Victoria; Tennant Creek, NT; Goomalling, WA; Port Lincoln, South Australia; and a cross-border test around Queanbeyan, on the NSW-ACT border.<\/p>\n
Two levels of alerts can be sent – a critical alert which will warn of imminent threat to life and property, and a priority alert for watch and act or advice warnings.<\/p>\n
While users will be able to opt out of priority alerts, critical alerts will appear on the home screens of compatible devices accompanied by a loud sound, even if the phone is set to silent.<\/p>\n
Officials believe around 90 per cent of all phones will be compatible.<\/p>\n
Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain said the new system would help deliver more targeted, timely warnings.<\/p>\n
“This is an important project that will help us and emergency services organisations warn people when they are in harm’s way, saving lives and protecting property during a disaster,” she said in a statement.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Almost all mobile phones in Australia will receive a test emergency alert in late July as the federal government prepares to roll out a new warning system for bushfires, floods, storms and biosecurity hazards. The long-awaited AusAlert system will undergo a national test on Monday, July 27, before it officially comes online in October. The […]<\/p>\n