Station reflects on emergency role

A SIX-month review conducted by Bendigo-based community radio station KLFM has shone a spotlight on its role as one of the official emergency broadcasters for the Victorian Government since November 2014.

The station signed an memorandum of understating with the Minister for Police and Emergency Services at that time, to provide, “timely, tailored and relevant warnings in protecting human life during emergency events.”

As part of the review, live-to-air announcers were tasked with recording every emergency incident broadcast.

Despite their best efforts, it has been estimated that 25 per cent of reports were not registered due to limited resources at the station.

During the six-month period, 1900 reports were registered and over 100 flood warnings were made.

There were also over 200 evacuation notices, 35 contaminated water notices and over 60 traffic warnings/road closure warnings.

Others included cautions regarding fallen trees, bushfires and earthquakes.

“Without the level of commitment of all announcers, KLFM would not be able to continue this vital service,” station manager Brad Geier said.

“All station personnel are proud to be an active part of the emergency services effort, keeping our listeners and all the community safer.”

Established in 1989, Golden Square located KLFM is one of more than 450 community radio stations across the country reaching over 5 million Australians.

As well as covering Heathcote, the station’s transmission signal reaches as far as Castlemaine, Maryborough, Kerang, Echuca/Moama, Rochester, Elmore, Marong, Bridgewater, Wedderburn, Maldon, Kyneton, Daylesford, Harcourt, Sedgwick, Sutton Grange, Hearthcote, Axedale and Tooleen.